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?

Keenan Courtis	Yes
Terri Hawkes	No response
Mike Layton	Yes
Karina Lemke	No response
Alice Li	Yes
Huy Lieu	No response
Gian Pileri	Yes
Paul Viret	Yes
Diana Yoon	Yes

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

Keenan Courtis	Yes
Terri Hawkes	No response
Mike Layton	Yes
Karina Lemke	No response
Alice Li	Yes
Huy Lieu	No response
Gian Pileri	Yes
Paul Viret	Yes
Diana Yoon	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?

Keenan Courtis	Yes
Terri Hawkes	No response
Mike Layton	Yes
Karina Lemke	No response
Alice Li	Yes
Huy Lieu	No response
Gian Pileri	Yes
Paul Viret	Yes
Diana Yoon	Yes

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

Keenan Courtis

"Wheel-Trans needs the funding to tighten its pick-up windows. A first step will be increased funding amd tighter SLA for Wheel-Trans pick-up."

Alice Li

"As a daily transit rider who has relied on accessible transit, accessibility is an issue I personally understand and relate to. I have experienced these challenges firsthand and understand the importance of ensuring that transit is accessible, reliable, and welcoming to everyone. Every rider should be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness when accessing public transit."

Gian Pileri

"Accessibility must cover the whole journey, from reaching a stop to arriving safely at a destination. I support fully funding the TTC's wayfinding strategy, including clear signs, understandable audio announcements and timely information about disruptions and accessible alternatives. I would protect and expand door-to-door Wheel-Trans service for those who need it. Riders should not be required to make transfers they cannot safely manage. Snow clearing must include boarding areas, curb ramps and connecting sidewalks, with clear responsibilities, service standards and proactive inspections rather than waiting for complaints. I would also press for reliable elevators, prompt repairs and accessible replacement service during closures. People with disabilities should help shape and evaluate these improvements, with progress reported publicly."