President Marvin Alfred stood before committee at Queen’s Park to speak about Bill 98, alongside TTCriders, an advocacy group, as well as TTC management – delivering a clear message to the provincial government that regional transit integration cannot work without sustainable operational funding, proper planning, and consultation.
See Committee Hearing – ATU 113 President:
C-260504-Mon-PM-HIC_1400-recess
Shared Statement
Transit Advocates and Workers united in opposition to Ford’s TTC Takeover
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Transit Advocates and Workers united in opposition to TTC takeover
Toronto, ON – TTCriders and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 are sounding the alarm on the Provincial Government’s Bill 98, warning that the proposed legislation risks higher fares, worse service and less accountability for the people who rely on the TTC.
Bill 98 would give the Province sweeping new powers to set transit fares, discount, and service standards across the GTHA. Decisions that are currently made in public by the TTC Board and Toronto City Council would instead be made centrally at Queen’s Park, with no clear requirement to consult riders, protect affordability or grow transit ridership.
“This is a back-door upload of the TTC, full stop,” said Andrew Pulsifer, Executive Director of TTCriders, a membership based transit advocacy group. “Bill 98 puts Doug Ford, Queen’s Park and Metrolinx in charge of what riders pay and how often transit runs without any guarantees that fares won’t go up or that service will improve. Riders fought hard for fare freezes and fare capping in Toronto, and this bill puts all of that at risk.”
The coalition warns that Toronto riders could be forced into a more expensive system. With TTC fares currently lower than the regional average, the group says the most likely outcome is upward pressure on fares. They’re also raising concerns that the Province could impose service changes on cross-boundary routes without improving frequency and without public input.
“We support making it easier for riders to get around the region, but that’s not what this act does,“ said ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred. “It will give Doug Ford access to all TTC fare revenue and make Toronto riders rely on buses from the 905 that arrive in Toronto already so full they shut riders out.”
Instead of centralizing control the group is calling on the Province to rescind the transit provisions in Bill 98 and instead provide stable, long-term operating funding. TTC and TTC workers represented by ATU Local 113 can work with other transit operators and our riders to develop a regional integration plan that improves service and puts riders first.
Ontario used to provide 50% of all TTC operations until Premier Mike Harris cut that support in 1997, downloading those responsibilities entirely to the city.
Torontonians are already facing rising costs of living, and advocates warn that Bill 98 could deepen those challenges.
“Riders want their bus to come on time and to be able to afford to take it every day,” added Pulsifer. “Right now, Bill 98 risks making it worse.”
Members of both groups will be speaking about Bill 98 at the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy on Monday, May 4th.
Media Contacts:
For ATU Local 113:
Stephanie Gomes
sgomes@atu113.net
For TTCriders:
Andrew Pulsifer
Andrew@ttcriders.ca
416-669-3154
Transit workers have been clear: we support regional transit that improves service, but it must be done right.
We are not alone in our concerns about Bill 98. Other municipalities, like Pickering and Brampton, have expressed serious concerns about the effect it will have on their residents.
Bill 98, as it stands, fails the test for better transit.
That’s why your union is taking action to protect our work, our riders, and the future of public transit across Toronto and the region.
What we’re doing now:
We are calling for:
What this means for members
This is a critical moment. The decisions being made now will impact our jobs, working conditions, and the service we deliver every day.
We will keep you informed. Stay engaged – our collective voice is vital to getting this right.
More updates to follow after Monday’s hearing.
The advocacy group TTCriders, is organizing a Day of Action in front of the main entrance to Cedarvale Station. They will be meeting riders, handing out flyers, and gathering signatures to take action against Doug Ford’s proposal to take over the TTC and set its fares and service
Start: Saturday, May 9 at 1 p.m.
End: Saturday, May 9 at 3 p.m.
Location: Cedarvale Station (Cedarvale Station at Bus Bay 3, York, ON, Canada)
Register to join them here: https://www.campaigndashboard.app/ttcriders/rsvp/f668529a-7d58-4397-9231-b2afc914b7c6/
Today, we mark International Workers’ Day, a celebration of labourers around the world, including Toronto’s transit workers who keep our city moving every day.
Happy International Workers’ Day!
Today marks the start of Asian Heritage Month, a time to honour the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian communities across Canada. Their impact has helped shape our country in meaningful and lasting ways.
May marks Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, ATU Local 113 proudly recognizes the strength, resilience, and lasting impact of Jewish Canadians in shaping our country.
On the National Day of Mourning, ATU Local 113 honours all workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill on the job. We stand with their families, loved ones, and colleagues, and we recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for safer workplaces.
Our union’s shop stewards participated in a comprehensive one day training this week focused on strengthening union representation, deepening knowledge and preparing for the challenges facing transit workers today. Our shop stewards are our frontline leaders who play a critical role in supporting our members on the job and protecting workers’ rights.
The ATU 113 Black Caucus extends a heartfelt thank-you to the ATU 113 Executive Board, guest speakers, and everyone who attended and helped make the recent Financial Literacy Event a success. Special thanks to the guest speakers – Sean Clouden, Gabrielle McGill, Collette Venture, and Kamille Smith, as well as the TTC Pension Plan representatives, ATU 113 members, and the family and friends who participated.
We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities and resources that support members’ financial well-being.