TTC Riders wait times will go from 15 to 30 minutes.

By: Jimena Ruiz Martinez

There have been some TTC service changes impacting more than 50 bus routes in Toronto, as well as the Bloor-Danforth subway line. These changes started yesterday as a result of the staff shortage caused by the unvaccinated TTC workers.

“As a result of operator workforce shortages, Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, one streetcar route, and 57 bus routes will experience temporary service reductions and/or period of service suspensions. Provisions have been made to protect service on the busiest corridors in the system during the busiest periods. November schedules will continue into December, with some minor adjustments,” TTC Transit Agency

TTC employees were notified before they had until November 20 to get both doses of the covid-19 vaccine and present their proof of vaccination. Those who didn’t comply with this have now been placed on unpaid leave. The transit agency said that the vast majority have been fully vaccinated being 1,200 unvaccinated employees out of 12,000.

Some workers who haven’t received their COVID-19 vaccine think TTC could have figured out a solution for those who wish not to get the vaccine. “Instead of firing workers, the TTC can keep our workplace safe by offering regular testing for the small percentage of workers who do not wish to receive the vaccine,” Carlos Santos, president of ATU Local 113 said in a statement.

TTC Riders aren’t happy about the cut services. Stephanie Niesner a Front-Line Shelter Staff is a TTC Commuter “I work night and evening shifts, adding an extra 30 minutes to my commute, whether that’s waiting at my bus stop near my house or kicking around my work place with no where to go, is a serious safety issue” Niesner says she’s dissappointed with the TTC services and wishes it was a higher priority when it comes to funding allocation. “Public transit has always impacted what employment I can take. Workers who can not get to work can’t work” Niesner said.

TTC Riders an organization of transit riders are encouraging the commuters to join them in calling Mayor Tory hoping he extends the vaccine mandate and secure emergency transit funding from all levels of government to protect the TTC from cuts. Members of the organization will be today at Markham and Sheppard E at 4:00 pm for an outreach event to encourage more riders to take action.