TTC chief tries to restore transit reputation after drivers caught texting

The TTC chief has issued a statement trying to restore the public’s faith in the public transit system after two reports of staff texting and reading while driving vehicles.

The TTC’s reputation is “once again the subject of intense scrutiny,” Andy Byford said Friday.

“In recent days, photos and videos have emerged of staff asleep on the job, texting or appearing to read a newspaper while operating a vehicle, and parking illegally to get a snack,” he said. “As your CEO, I cannot and will not defend such incidents. Such behaviours are not only unacceptable, they lead to even more scrutiny and potential for assault.”

He said a small number of employees “continue to wreck all of our reputations,” and that he would let them “face the consequences of their actions,” particularly if they put customers’ safety at risk.

He added that he has given his managers clear direction to back staff who “do the right thing or who make an honest mistake.”

“But to those few that choose to ignore safety rules or who recklessly make things worse for their colleagues by their actions, expect to be held to account,” he warned.

Last Friday, a transit rider recorded a video that was posted on YouTube of a TTC subway conductor allegedly texting while operating the train through Rosedale station. The TTC said there has yet to be a decision on disciplinary action.

Earlier this week, the TTC said it caught a driver on camera reading a newspaper while operating a 510 Spadina streetcar. The TTC was in the process of identifying that employee.

In January 2011, two TTC bus drivers were caught on camera texting on their routes.