Transit News

Transit riders say more bus service needed to fix crowding, not privatization

Transit riders say more bus service needed to fix crowding, not privatization 

August 18 2020 (Toronto, ON) - Transit advocacy organization TTCriders says that Premier Ford’s plan to impose service cuts and transit privatization is a recipe for crowding and higher fares. 

“Premier Ford should not be cutting bus service during a pandemic. We need more bus service to fix crowding on our buses, so riders can be physically distant,” said Austin Jafri, a TTCriders member based in Scarborough. “That’s why Premier Ford must provide permanent provincial operating funding without conditions.”

Transit Organizer School

TTCriders and Small Change Fund are hosting a six-month training program for transit riders to build their leadership and community organizing skills. This is an opportunity to meet other transit users, learn and strategize about how we can win better transit, and practice organizing for change in your neighbourhood. The program involves six group learning sessions, with a practicum component. The program is free and scholarships are provided, but space is limited. 

The Fight to Save Public Transit

James Wilt of The Walrus reports on the struggles public transit has faced since the emergence of COVID-19. TTCriders executive director, Shelagh Pizey-Allen, speaks about the importance of transit. 

East Scarborough to get priority bus lanes, but not on Steeles or Finch

Mike Adler reports on the efficiency of bus lanes in Toronto. 

Bus lanes moving forward, but we need better service now

Bus lanes were on the agenda at the July 14th TTC Board meeting. 15 transit riders made speeches in support of implementing more bus lanes and increasing bus service, and were covered by CBC and CityNews. By sharing their experiences they made Commissioners aware of the severe overcrowding that the TTC had before and during the pandemic -- and warned of the risks transit riders face when schools and workplaces re-open. 

TTC to look at introducing dedicated bus lanes sooner than planned after riders speak out

Muriel Draaisma and Jasmin Seputis of CBC News report on the possibility of the TTC board implementing bus lanes sooner than planned. TTCriders executive director, Shelagh Pizey-Allen, shares about the importance of bus lanes.

Groups urge TTC to speed up bus lanes, fix crowding during COVID

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Groups urge TTC to speed up bus lanes, fix crowding during COVID

July 13th 2020 (Toronto, ON) -- Concerned community members and community and grassroots groups will address the TTC Board on July 14th to urge additional bus service and the acceleration of more bus-only lanes. Advocates say the TTC's plan to install one bus lane in 2020 falls short of a June proposal to fast-track six bus lanes by September 2020 on Jane, Dufferin, Finch East, Lawrence East, Eglinton East, and Steeles West.

Face coverings on the TTC: What you need to know

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). 

EMAIL ZAP: Stop policing transit - Fund the TTC

 

(function(n,e,w,m,o,d){m=n.createElement(e);m.async=1;m.src=w; o=n.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];o.parentNode.insertBefore(m,o); })(document,'script','//engage.newmode.net/embed/1915/21851.js'); The TTC plans to bring back fare inspectors on July 2nd. This is unacceptable, especially during a pandemic when those using transit are depending on the TTC for essential trips to work, get groceries, or access medical care.

Update: How you can support bus-only lanes in Toronto

The TTC Board voted on June 17th to take the next step towards bus-only lanes! Staff will come up with a plan for how to implement 5 bus-only lanes and they'll now consider a 6th transit priority corridor on Lawrence East. 

End anti-Black racism, on the TTC and everywhere

“Transit will never be safe for everyone as long as police brutality remains a threat to Black lives.” -- statement from TransitCenter (US) 

TTCriders joins in mourning the devastating loss of Black peoples’ lives at the hands of police. George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer on video in Minneapolis. D’Andre Campbell, who was killed by a police officer in Peel Region this April after he called for help. Regis Korchinski-Paquet, who died in the presence of police last week and whose family is demanding answers and justice. 

Join the May 28 Day of Action for Emergency Transit Funding

Join the May 28th day of action for emergency transit funding!

Essential workers -- like nurses, doctors and sanitation staff -- rely on transit to get to work. 

But public transit systems across Canada are facing service cuts and driver layoffs, because they depend mostly on fares for funding.  Right now we need more service, not less, for safe physical distancing on transit!