As of July 2nd, 2020, face coverings will be required on the TTC. Face coverings can include a bandana, a scarf, fabric, or a mask. Read more about how to wear and make your own face covering out of a t-shirt here (available in 11 languages).
Face coverings on the TTC: What you need to know
Face coverings
Wearing a face covering or a mask can keep each other safe on the TTC when we can’t be physically distant (6 feet / 2 metres apart). But not everyone is able to wear a face covering: children under 2, people with underlying medical conditions, and people who are not able to remove a face covering without assistance will not be required to wear a mask on TTC.
The TTC has stated that they will not be enforcing the use of masks or face coverings, and that nobody will be denied service for not wearing one. This is a good thing, because disabilities or medical conditions can be invisible. But the face covering rule will still be enforceable under the TTC By-Law No. 1 and could carry a total payable fine of $235.
TTCriders has called on the TTC to distribute masks to riders, not fines. The cost of masks is a barrier, and some riders need to take the bus to access affordable shopping.
The TTC will be distributing 1 million single-use masks at the beginning of July, targeting neighbourhood improvement areas (NIAs) through local agencies and at some subway stations.
Fare inspectors
Artist Jade Armstrong created a graphic series about fare inspectors returning to the TTC, the need for emergency transit funding, and how you can take action:
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Fare inspectors will start inspecting proof-of-payment on July 2nd. Giving riders $235+ fines is unfair at any time but during an economic crisis it is irresponsible and punitive.
Fare inspection will never recover the TTC’s revenue losses from lower ridership, but it will impact riders who are racialized, homeless, or earning lower incomes. The real "fund evaders" are the provincial and federal governments, which have so far provided zero operating funding support for public transit.
Crowding and better bus service
Bus ridership is now up to 37% of pre-pandemic levels and reached 43% this past weekend, but the TTC is only running 85% of normal service. This means physical distancing is no longer possible on many routes. 18% of buses have more than 15 people on them. The most crowded routes run through the neighbourhoods hardest hit by COVID-19, and where residents are predominantly Black, people of colour, or low income.
The TTC’s plan to fast-track bus-only lanes could bring faster, better bus service in the same areas. But the TTC will also need to increase bus service. Email info @ ttcriders.ca to get involved in organizing for a strong bus lanes plan, or sign up for the July 7th training. The bus lanes plan is moving forward, but it's not a done deal - yet.
The TTC also needs emergency funding from Premier Ford and Prime Minister Trudeau to run enough service. You can sign up to join an upcoming phone bank for emergency funding here:
Friday July 3rd at 12pm: RSVP Thursday July 9th at 5pm: RSVP
Tokens, tickets, and cash
On July 2nd, you will be able to board a bus through the front and back doors. This means that the TTC will start accepting cash, tokens, and tickets.
TTCriders has called on the TTC to continue all-door boarding to minimize crowding and make it faster to get on the bus (in their recent report, the TTC said they plan to eliminate rear-door boarding soon).
Do you have questions about any of these changes? Want to get involved in organizing with TTCriders? Sign up to volunteer, become a member, or email info @ ttcriders.ca.
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