TORONTO, ONTARIO – (February 12, 2019) – Carlos Santos, President of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113, released the following statement regarding the recently signed Terms of Reference agreement to guide talks to break up Toronto’s public transit system.
“The agreement between the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario is a step in the wrong direction. In fact, the agreement is a step backwards as Torontonians deserve an integrated service they can rely on. Having efficient and reliable public transit can only come by properly funding the system, not breaking it apart and privatizing it.
Torontonians have been crystal clear: we do not consent to Premier Ford stealing our subway. Toronto City Council has already voted twice to continue to own, operate and maintain transit service. It’s the TTC and its 11,000 public transit workers who are best positioned to deliver public transit in an efficient and effective manner. We serve the communities we live in, and we’ve been doing it “the better way” since the early days of the TTC.
Sadly, it’s the riders who will pay the consequences as the so-called TTC Subway upload could lead to the privatization of our cherished public transit, similar to what is happening with Metrolinx’s GO system. Privatization will mean higher fares and reduced service, while private companies stand to line their pockets from contracts, such as scandal-plagued SNC-Lavalin and Bombardier, which can’t deliver streetcars on time. It’s time to deliver for Toronto’s public transit riders – and it’s not through Premier Ford’s disastrous plan.”
Carlos Santos is available for further comment.