Accessibility

Will candidates commit to a transit system accessible to all?


A truly accessible transit system means more than being able to board a bus, streetcar or subway. Riders need to be able to navigate the system, understand where they are going, safely get to and from their stop, and rely on door-to-door service when conventional transit cannot meet their needs.

For too many riders, these barriers can make taking transit more difficult, stressful, or sometimes impossible. Confusing or inconsistent signage can make the TTC harder to navigate, particularly for riders with disabilities, seniors, tourists and people who are unfamiliar with the system. For Wheel-Trans users, reliable door-to-door service can be essential to getting to work, medical appointments, school and other parts of daily life.

Over the next four years, Toronto needs to make the TTC easier to use for everyone. That means fully implementing the TTC's wayfinding strategy, protecting and expanding door-to-door Wheel-Trans service for those who need it, and ensuring accessibility is prioritized during snowstorms and other disruptions. Here's what we asked candidates:

13. Do you endorse fully funding the 10 year TTC wayfinding strategy to improve signage and information for riders across the network?

Maqsood Ahmad

No response

Susan Chapelle

Yes

Michael Connor

 

No response

Dennis Corcoran

 

No response

Robb Dagenais

No response

Peter De Marco

No response

Sara Ehrhardt

 

Yes

George Fawcett

Yes

Mary Fragedakis

Yes

John Kladitis

No response

Michael Mitchell

Yes

Caryma S'ad

No response

Dianne Saxe

Yes

Devyn Stackhouse

Yes

Jason Stevens

No response

Christiane Tetreault

No response

Maria Voutsinas

Yes

Denise Walcott

Yes

14. Will you protect and expand door-to-door Wheel-Trans service for those who need it?

Maqsood Ahmad

No response

Susan Chapelle

Yes

Michael Connor

 

No response

Dennis Corcoran

 

No response

Robb Dagenais

No response

Peter De Marco

No response

Sara Ehrhardt

 

Yes

George Fawcett

Yes

Mary Fragedakis

Yes

John Kladitis

No response

Michael Mitchell

Yes

Caryma S'ad

No response

Dianne Saxe

Yes

Devyn Stackhouse

Yes

Jason Stevens

No response

Christiane Tetreault

No response

Maria Voutsinas

Yes

Denise Walcott

Yes

15. Will you commit to ensuring Toronto's snow event response prioritizes timely clearing of curbside snow piles at Wheel-Trans, bus, and streetcar stops after snowstorms?

Maqsood Ahmad

No response

Susan Chapelle

Yes

Michael Connor

 

No response

Dennis Corcoran

 

No response

Robb Dagenais

No response

Peter De Marco

No response

Sara Ehrhardt

 

Yes

George Fawcett

Yes

Mary Fragedakis

Yes

John Kladitis

No response

Michael Mitchell

Yes

Caryma S'ad

No response

Dianne Saxe

Yes

Devyn Stackhouse

Yes

Jason Stevens

No response

Christiane Tetreault

No response

Maria Voutsinas

Yes

Denise Walcott

Yes

Some candidates offered extra comments about their position on TTC accessibility:

"Accessibility has to cover the entire transit trip, not just the vehicle or station. An accessible bus or subway is not accessible if someone using a wheelchair, walker or mobility device cannot reach it because sidewalks, curb cuts, stops or boarding areas have not been cleared of snow.

I commit to making accessibility a priority in every transit and street decision I make at Council. I will advocate for reliable snow clearing around TTC stops and accessible routes, continued investment in elevators and station accessibility, and stable funding for Wheel-Trans. Wheel-Trans is essential public transit, not an optional service.

I will also insist that people with disabilities have a meaningful role in planning and design. I have spent my career working in healthcare and advocating for accessible communities. I will bring that same commitment to City Hall. The test is simple: can someone leave home, reach transit, make their connections and arrive safely, reliably and with dignity?
"

"In terms of signage and information, it should be seen in part through the objective lens of whether a first-time transit user could find their way around the network, whether they're a tourist or a newcomer to our city. Many of us know the feeling of taking transit in another major city and being a bit lost or intimidated. Part of being an accessible city for all current and future residents and visitors is having clear signage and connections across our transit network."

"Accessibility must be built into how the TTC operates, not treated as an afterthought. I support fully implementing the TTC’s 10-year wayfinding strategy, protecting and expanding door-to-door Wheel-Trans for riders who need it, and prioritizing snow clearing around transit stops and accessible loading areas. A transit system is only truly reliable when people of all ages and abilities can use it safely, confidently and independently."

"Expanding Wheel-Trans is vital but also is dependent upon access to other government/additional levels of funding"

"I have proposed the creation and maintenance of an accessible van-share fleet for wheelchair users who come with their own drivers. Like zip car for mobility device users :)"

"Accessibility must be built into every part of the TTC experience. I support clearer wayfinding, reliable elevators and escalators, protected door-to-door Wheel-Trans service and timely snow clearing around transit stops. A route cannot be considered accessible if a rider cannot safely reach the stop, understand the signage or rely on the service arriving. I will listen directly to riders with disabilities and ensure accessibility is treated as an essential service standard rather than an optional improvement."

Take action

Municipal Election Dashboard
Workshops and Trainings
Stop GO Train Cuts
Pledge to Vote for Transit
Transit-only lanes now: Get buses and streetcars moving!
Give Transit the Green Light
Platform Doors for a safer, more reliable TTC!
Know Your Transit Rights
Protect Door-to-Door Wheel-Trans Service!

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