ATU Local 113 is leading the fight to stop a takeover of the TTC and ensure regional integration works for riders and TTC workers.
Local 113 was out in force this week at Queen’s Park, where a legislative committee considered Bill 98. The bill would give the provincial government extensive control over TTC fares, service, and revenue. It could also open the door to contracting out bus routes to outside operators – giving Doug Ford new tools to break up and privatize parts of the TTC.
President Marvin Alfred spoke about the need to keep transit public, under democratic local control, and to keep revenue in Toronto. He also called for the bill’s powers to be limited to cross-boundary bus routes, and for any fare changes to come with a compensating subsidy.
Our team was joined by members of TTCriders, who spoke about the negative impact the bill could have on transit users, including the risk of fare increases and service cuts.
We were also supported by TTC CEO Mandeep Lali, who emphasized the need to protect local service and secure a reliable operating subsidy.
Ford has a majority government, so we expect the bill to pass.
MPP Tom Rakocevic, the NDP transit critic, reached out to our local and has listened to our concerns. He will put forward amendments to address key issues, which will be voted on this Friday.
The Liberal Party transit critic, MPP Andrea Hazell, is also helping fight the bill.
The real fight will come when the government introduces regulations to implement the legislation. We expect proposals for fare increases and service cuts, including fares based on zones or distance. It will almost certainly include contracting out TTC bus routes to outside operators.
This is just the beginning. We will keep you updated as we continue the fight.