TTC: 92% of employees have shared their vaccine status as mandatory policy takes effect

The TTC says 92 per cent of its more than 15,000 workers have shared their COVID-19 vaccine status as the agency’s mandatory policy takes effect on Sunday.

The transit agency adds that the “vast majority” of unionized and non-union employees are now fully vaccinated.

Employees who did not provide proof of vaccination as of November 20, with an approved Ontario Human Rights Code accommodation or medical exemption, have been suspended without pay. Anyone who does not comply with the mandate by the end of the year will be fired.

Following the TTC’s latest update, just over 1,200 employees would appear to be facing discipline by not adhering to the agency’s vaccine policy.

The union which represents close to 12,000 TTC workers learned Saturday their bid to have the mandatory vaccination policy put on hold had been denied.

The workforce reductions have forced the TTC to cut service across the system by roughly eight per cent starting Sunday.

“We are continuing to prioritize our busiest corridors during our busiest times and today, in spite of the changes, we are delivering 97% of last Sunday’s scheduled service,” TTC CEO Rick Leary said in a statement.

One subway line, a streetcar route, and 57 other bus routes are expected to be impacted however, the agency says it will continue to protect service on its most popular bus corridors at the busiest times of day like Wilson, Eglinton East (RapidTO), Finch West, Jane, Lawrence East, York Mills, Steeles West, Sheppard West, and Victoria Park, among others.

Daytime riders of Line 2 — the Bloor-Danforth subway line — can expect delays of between three to four minutes while 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, while 57 bus routes are also going to be affected.

The TTC says where service has been impacted, it will be similar to the seasonal changes made in the summer and in December.

“The TTC Board fully supports the Mandatory Vaccination policy because it protects the health and safety of our employees and the public,” said TTC Chair and Ward 15—Don Valley West Councillor Jaye Robinson. “I have made it clear to TTC CEO Rick Leary that all service should be restored as quickly as possible as we implement the vaccine mandate.”

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