The TTC Is Finally Fixing Toronto's Overcrowded Bus Problem
Crowd control is in effect on the TTC. The transit agency has confirmed that they are monitoring 15 popular bus routes to prevent a pile-up of passengers. Despite this, photos of TTC's overcrowded routes are still showing up online.
The TTC has put together a list of 15 routes that they have been monitoring for potential crowds.
According to its website, the transit agency is using PRESTO taps to be able to determine how many people are on a route at any given time.
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"We have 14 supervisors assigned to key positions to direct additional buses to where they are needed most," it says.
Yet, people are still posting photos of extremely full vehicles.
The union representing transit workers has addressed the issue in a news release calling on the TTC to resume full service now that they are at 40 per cent capacity.
“Public transit workers are reporting regular overcrowding on more TTC routes, putting themselves and riders at risk of catching coronavirus,” said Carlos Santos, ATU Local 113 President.
Extra staff and buses are standing ready to respond when it's necessary, according to the TTC. They are also encouraging face masks.
According to their website, the routes being monitored are:
- 300 Bloor-Danforth Blue Night - 5 extra buses
- 320 Yonge Blue Night - 4 extra buses
- 29 Dufferin - 4 extra buses
- 35 Jane - 6 extra buses
- 37 Islington - 3 extra buses
- 39 Finch East - 4 extra buses
- 41 Keele - 4 extra buses
- 44 Kipling South - 2 extra buses
- 52 Lawrence West - 2 extra buses (Airport trips)
- 96 Wilson - 4 extra buses
- 102 Markham Rd - 4 extra buses
- 117 Alness-Chesswood - 2 extra buses
- 119 Torbarrie - 2 extra buses
- 123 Sherway - 2 extra buses
- 165 Weston Rd North - 3 extra buses
Narcity reached out to spokesperson Stuart Green, who said this system has been in place "for months."
Stuart Green told Narcity that full service won't resume until the TTC is "at 50 per cent ridership".
However, according to their May 2020 report, the agency determined that "a 30% demand requires 100% of service hours to provide physical distancing."