ATU Local 113 is disappointed in the Ontario Government’s statement regarding the slow runs of the new Finch West LRT. Transportation Minister, Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, remarked yesterday that the service speeds will improve on Line 6 as operators become more familiar with the route – implying that the transit operators are at fault. Slow speed of the vehicles is at the specific direction of the TTC/Metrolinx and not operator discretion. ATU Local 113 members are committed to delivering reliable and safe service every single day, and they have trained on the new line, the new vehicles, and the operating conditions.
This is an irresponsible statement without consideration for the consequences and impact, bringing our operators under undue pressure and public scrutiny, which in turn impacts their safety at their workplace.
It is important that the Ministry of Transportation revisit their statement, rescind it, and provide the public with a clarification as soon as possible – providing an accurate explanation of the reasons for the slow runs.