nice 'tude, TTC

The Toronto Transit Commission says that in the 45-minute peak of morning rush hour, the Yonge subway line is currently at full capacity. No additional trains can be added. In The Globe and Mail yesterday, TTC chief general manager Rick Ducharme said, "People say it's crowded, and I always say, if you go in those 45 minutes, that's your problem, because I can't help you." On the increase in commuting times in general over the last couple of decades, Ducharme said "live with it. We're a bigger city."

So the people who have to get to their downtown jobs by 8:30 or 9:00 should plan on extra idle time downtown? Perhaps lounge at Starbucks or hit a gym, while paying for an additional hour or two of child care in the morning? Hey, maybe the Bay Street business community will warm up to 'flex time' and let people stagger themselves in a spectrum of start-end times. You know, because we've already seen such willingness to bend antiquated men's dress codes in the steamiest summer days when rolling blackouts threaten.

"I can't help you... Live with it." If this is the attitude of senior TTC staff, it's no wonder that a) people continue to abandon public transit in favour of their cars; b) TTC employees in other positions* often exhibit outright contempt for the ridership.

*such as the fare agent at College station last week who rolled his eyes when the well-dressed, polite man in front of me requested a receipt, and proceeded to openly curse and swear at the passenger when it became my turn at the wicket

Comments

Anonymous said…
They just need to put in more lines like a big city... it will only get worse.
Crucible said…
They should just get to work on those transporter devices. "Beam me in Scotty".
toobusyliving said…
"It's not what you're eating, but what's eating YOU."
First of all what are kids doing in daycare? Shouldn't they be home with their mothers? (Mitzzee take note)

Why are you taking the TTC to work? You should walk...it's not cold and you can walk underground from Dundas to Union. Or you can stay a Fatty McTaddy!

Mloyd maybe the TTC employees are sick of being treated like pieces of meat. I'm sure you're not the only one to check Mass Transit operator off your dirty sex list!
Anonymous said…
LISTEN UP YJA....

if I were to stay home with my children as you say. then i would have to go on welfare, and that would mean that YOU along with everyone else would be supporting us. So, instead, I choose to WORK and make my own coin on my own time and effort and pay for daycare out of my own pocket, I'm NOT subsidised like some people are. I am responsible for all my own finances and my life and that of my children. As much as I would LOVE to spend all day with my children (and I would) I can not. That does NOT make me a bad mother, or a neglectful mother. My children get the best possible care out there. You on the other hand, were probably BEATEN as a child....and I feel for you.
toobusyliving said…
Be careful what you write about the TTC - they have spies everywhere - a lady told me this at my last thursday.
madamerouge said…
YJA, I can't walk. As an aggressive pedestrian, I get into altercations with aggressive drivers.
Unknown said…
Jimmy, I am on the floor. The floor!

As for Madame, he gives out his digits to hot agressive drivers. We know it's true.
ty bluesmith said…
i think i'm gonna go get high9999999999999.p999999999.\

sorry, my nine key came off and i had to put it back on
Chuckles said…
Suddenly the DC Metro system rolls out a new PR Campaign:

"Shut up and stop whining or we will import employees from the TTC."
M.Rouge. Why not walk underground as I suggested. If you had any altercations with drivers there I believe it would be OK in every ones eyes.

Mitz - A little testy aren't we? Sorry if you took any offence to my comments.
When will you get the first party cheque from Stephen Harper? I hear it's for beer and smokes!
Jason said…
I have an idea. Try this when you feel one of those cranky moments coming.
Jimmy - that works I often sing

The boys on Church go Swish, swish, swish;
Swish, swish, swish;
Swish, swish, swish.
The boys on Church go Swish, swish, swish,
all through the town.

All Jimmy's friends go Clack, clack, clack;
Clack, clack, clack;
Clack, clack, clack.
All Jimmy's friends go Clack, clack, clack;
all through the town.
Anonymous said…
love this post. of course my father is a former TTC driver - my sister, mom and I would often come home after a torturous ride home and tell him off. and he'd laugh. BAStards. jooles. :)
Anonymous said…
p.s. i'm behind on the blogs. Firstly - a very belated, but very happy bday wish for you! muah!
secondly - I love, love, love the "nuggets of validation".... rock on mme rouge. :) jooles
Anonymous said…
as for you yja.

ah, forget it..........my anger has long ago subsided....

you should really check out my friend RAINE (on my sidebar) she works for the TTC maybe you should let HER know how you feel. Jimmy sure does.
madamerouge said…
yja - you can't walk underground from Union to the Harbourfront, and that's where you have to cross some of the worst traffic in the whole route: Lakeshore Blvd E & W.

Jooles - I feel very validated by your b'day wishes & nuggets, and am sure your father was an exemplary TTC employee. Lord knows they put up with a lot of crazy shit. It's like I always sez: if there are problems in an organization, you can usually look to the top for a source.

As for the rest of you, play nice or I'll kick you off this bus.
madamerouge said…
Short answer: there isn't any. (You'll have to excuse me, I just got back from looking up hydrocephalic.) The website proves it.
tornwordo said…
Next they'll threaten to introduce "stuffers" at rush hour who will push everyone in like in Japan.
Anonymous said…
mllyod, i didn't realize The View was on at 7:30 am...
Jason said…
I left 8 'nuggets of validation' for you in the 2nd floor bathroom.
madamerouge said…
True to form. Floaters, too, I'll bet.
Anonymous said…
ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
teh l4m3 said…
You know in San Francisco, in lieu of $1.50 or a transfer, you can pay many MUNI operators with a key-bump of meth. I mean you may as well. Lots of them steal the money anyway.

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