Improving the TTC’s Response to Major Snow Incidents - by Commissioner Josh Matlow, seconded by Chair Jamaal Myers

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The decision

2025-02-24 · Toronto Transit Commission Board · amended

As filed

The Toronto Transit Commission requested that staff report to the Board in Q2 2025 on a proactive extreme weather plan to: 1. Improve the functioning of the system during extreme weather incidents, including major snowfalls, focusing on the above-grade portions on TTC's Line 1 and 2. 2. Work in collaboration with the General Manager, Transportation Services, and consult with the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit and Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee, to develop service standards for snow clearing around TTC surface route stops to ensure TTC passengers can embark and disembark from vehicles safely and identify costs and necessary resource required for achieving these service standards.

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The developed service standards and information regarding the associated cost and resources required should be transmitted to City Council for consideration as part of the 2026 Budget process. 3. In collaboration with the General Manager, Transportation Services and Toronto Police Services, report back on the feasibility of increasing fines for vehicles that block TTC surface route operations and removing them quicker during extreme snow events.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

Toronto is a winter City. Over this past week, Torontonians endured extreme weather and heavy snowfalls with areas in our city receiving up to 50cm of accumulated snow. When it snows, our sidewalks need to be safe and accessible. The TTC needs to be operational, and our city needs to work. Over the weekend, transit riders experienced a number of major disruptions to TTC service due to the extreme snow conditions. While some disruptions are to be expected, there are many ways that the TTC can improve its preparedness and ensure it responds effectively to weather incidents in collaboration with other City divisions.

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Commissioners Matlow and Myers have heard from many residents about the lack of plowing along major transit stops and the significant hazard this created for transit users. That's why we are moving a motion requesting the TTC Board to prepare a proactive extreme weather incident preparedness strategy. This motion is urgent given that many residents, especially seniors and people with mobility issues, continue to be impacted by the lack of clearing around surface route stops which significantly impacts the safety of TTC passengers.

Staff recommended

The TTC Board requests staff report to the Board in Q2 2025 on a proactive extreme weather plan to: 1. Improve the functioning of the system during extreme weather incidents, including major snowfalls, focusing on the above-grade portions on TTC's Line 1 and 2. 2. Work in collaboration with the General Manager, Transportation Services, and consult with the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit and Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee, to develop and implement service standards for snow clearing around TTC surface route stops to ensure TTC passengers can exit vehicles safely.

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3. In collaboration with the General Manager, Transportation Services and Toronto Police Services, report back on the feasibility of increasing fines for vehicles that block TTC surface route operations during extreme snow events.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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