TTC warns of longer wait times with service cuts imminent due to staffing shortages

This weekend, service cuts are coming to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) due to staffing shortages caused by the agency’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The TTC confirms that one subway line, a streetcar route, and 57 other bus routes will be impacted by service cuts starting Nov. 22. Daytime riders of Line 2 — the Bloor-Danforth line — can expect only about a minute’s delay, but nighttime riders will see their wait times go anywhere from six to eight minutes.

Those riding the 512 St. Clair streetcar could be waiting up to nine minutes, depending on the time of day.

The TTC has previously indicated that some services may have to be scaled back or even cut after Nov. 20 due to staff shortages related to the proof-of-vaccine order, which states employees must provide proof they are fully vaccinated by Sunday or risk being placed on unpaid leave.

Anyone who does not comply with the mandate by the end of the year will be fired. The measures do not apply to employees with an approved Ontario Human Rights Code accommodation or medical exemption.

RELATED: TTC reaching out to retired staff to replace unvaccinated workers

The TTC says it will continue to protect service on the busiest routes. One advocacy group, “TTC Riders,” is calling for immediate government action, saying the TTC should be implementing interim measures, such as regular testing, while it conducts a hiring blitz and continues to implement various methods of education about vaccination.

“Cutting service is a total failure of leadership from all levels of government. Mayor [John] Tory must immediately extend the vaccine mandate deadline, and the federal, provincial, and City governments must act now to extend emergency transit operating funding,” the group said.

“The TTC could implement interim measures such as regular testing while it conducts a hiring blitz and continued education about vaccination.”

Metrolink spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins says the transit agency could help out if TTC shortages are exacerbated.

“We’re always coordinating with TTC when each of us needs help so I’m sure we will,” Aikins said in an email. “I’d encourage TTC riders to explore their GO and UP options as the cost is very similar and we have [the] capacity right now.”

So far, 85 per cent of TTC employees have shared they are double dosed.