(Toronto, ON) - TTCriders, a membership-based organization of transit users, released the following statement in response to TTC CEO Rick Leary's resignation:
"The TTC is falling apart. But TTC CEO Rick Leary has not been honest with the public about what's been going on and what's needed to fix it:
- A rash of subway slow zones in 2024 with no explanation or end date;
- Damning external consultant reports about the 2023 Scarborough RT derailment hidden instead of brought forward to the TTC Board in a timely manner;
- A series of hydraulic fluid leaks from subway work cars in 2024, which were not reported until a 12-hour shutdown on Line 2 and until whistle-blowers came forward about previous incidents;
- A cracked switch rail that caused a morning Line 1 shutdown on March 1, 2024;
- A near-miss subway crash at Osgoode Station on June 12, 2020 that was only brought forward to the TTC Board after the Toronto Star reported on the incident.
Riders deserve better: We need a CEO who will be honest about what is going on and how to fix it, and advocate for the funding TTC needs. This is a chance for renewal."