Click here to join TTCriders.
Our public transit system should provide good, dependable service that is accessible and affordable for everyone in our communities. While we’ve seen progress in some areas, we’ve also experienced multiple fare hikes, major cuts by the Provincial Government to the Transit City Light Rail plan, and a marked decline in provincial funding for the operations of the TTC.
This week the Public Transit Coalition (PTC) released an report card grading some candidates for City Council on a range of transit-related issues.
Candidates where emailed 10 "Yes or No" questions about building the Transit City plan, keeping the TTC publicly owned and governed, and the need for sustainable operating subsidies to keep TTC fares in check. The complete list of survey questions and over 100 candidate responses can be found sorted by ward here.
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
Thank you so much for contacting your elected official! Stay involved.
1. Tell others. Share our Fair Deal for Riders petition on facebook. Here's the link: http://www.ttcriders.ca/sign-our-petition-to-fund-our-ttc/
Over the past few months you might have noticed all the bad press about TTC workers, such as the media storm that ignited after a commuter snapped a picture of a sleeping customer service worker. 
The Toronto Transit Workers' Union (Local 113) has responded. The Transit Union is conducting a series of Town Hall meetings so commuters can talk directly with frontline TTC workers about how to improve our city's transit system.
With the release of the Ontario Budget, Premier McGuinty broke an important promise by cutting $4 Billion in funding for Transit City. At best, this means a five year delay. Most likely however, this cut will kill the Transit City Plan.
Jack Lakey, The Fixer at the Toronto Star wants to hear from TTC employees on ways in improve our public transit system.
The Fixer - TTC employees: Tell us how you'd improve service
[caption id="attachment_227" align="alignright" width="200" caption="http://www.thestar.com/news/columnists/177184--the-fixer"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The TTC Needs a Money Train from the Province"]
[/caption]
In a media release today the Province confirmed Finance Minister Dwight Duncan will release his next budget on March 25.
[caption id="attachment_184" align="alignright" width="300" caption="SRT photo by wyliepoon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wyliepoon/)"]
[/caption]
On Monday March 8th, TTCriders attended a Transit City open house near Midland and Eglinton about the expansion of the Scarborough RT. More than 60 people attended hoping to learn more about the project and give their feedback. Information about the project was provided through a video presentation and display panels that outlined the plans for the expansion and construction. Residents could speak with consultants, employees of the TTC, and others to ask questions about the project. Information was only available in English.
Facebook can be a wonderful and informative tool.
Lots of TTC riders are frustrated with the frequent delays in TTC service. Here is just one disruption example posted on the TTC's Facebook status...
Toronto Transit Commission: Due to a smell of smoke at track level at Christie Stn, there is currently no service from Jane to Broadview Stns. Shuttle buses are running.