TTC says service will not be free on New Year’s Eve
Posted December 9, 2020 12:15 pm.
Last Updated December 9, 2020 1:10 pm.
For the first time in many years, the TTC says it will not be offering free rides on New Year’s Eve due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TTC spokesperson Stuart Green confirmed the news in a tweet on Wednesday.
The #TTC won’t offer free New Year's Eve service. In discussion with our great sponsors, @CorbySW, and given current restrictions, partying is not an appropriate thing to encourage.
We hope everyone safely celebrates the end of 2020 by NOT gathering! Regular service will run. pic.twitter.com/2VFJA8x0MT— TTC Media Relations ???????????????? (@TTCNewsroom) December 9, 2020
“In discussion with our great sponsors, and given current restrictions, partying is not an appropriate thing to encourage,” Green said. “We hope everyone safely celebrates the end of 2020 by NOT gathering! Regular service will run.”
For at least the last seven years, the TTC has offered free evening and overnight service on New Year’s Eve in order to provide Torontonians with a safe method of travel.
A recent report shed light on the TTC’s recent struggles brought on by the pandemic, as unprecedented ridership lows could jeopardize the future of public transit.
Since the virus hit back in March, ridership on GO Transit is down by 80 percent. At the beginning of the first wave, the TTC was reporting a monthly shortfall of $92 million, but its losses have improved since then to about $70 million a month.
On Monday, Toronto’s medical officer of health said with COVID-19 cases steadily on the rise, it’s sensible for residents to plan and prepare for varying, uncommon holiday celebrations ahead of the new year.
Toronto and Peel Region have been under the province’s lockdown measures since November and will remain under these current restrictions until at least December 21.
