Payments by cash, tickets or tokens no longer accepted on TTC buses
TORONTO, ONTARIO – (March 23, 2020) – Following Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113’s demands for greater health protections for public transit workers, the TTC has agreed to ask riders to board and exit buses from the rear doors only, except when accommodating accessibility issues.
In addition to rear-door boarding, the TTC will no longer be accepting payment by cash, tickets or tokens on TTC buses (excluding Wheel-Trans) starting on March 24. This follows last week’s announcement that paper transfers to bus customers were no longer being issued. TTC riders are asked to pay using Presto where available.
“We need to do everything we can to protect dedicated TTC bus operators who are serving the public each day during this coronavirus pandemic,” said Carlos Santos, ATU Local 113 President. “After working closely with the TTC and Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, ATU Local 113 has secured greater social distancing and health protections for TTC bus operators who continue to provide a critical service for our city during this challenging time.”
These safety measures for TTC workers are in addition to the ones ATU Local 113 secured on March 18, including giving TTC workers the choice to wear protective masks on the job, as well as the flexibility for fare collectors and customer service agents to work in TTC Subway booths for as long as they need.
“These extra measures for bus operators will make our members feel more secure while transporting nurses, doctors, paramedics, police officers, firefighters and grocery clerks to work so they can continue providing the essential services Toronto depends on,” said Carlos Santos. “Our union will continue to work with the TTC and its provincial partners at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to improve health and safety protections for all workers and riders.”