New transit boss promises to transform TTC
Posted March 13, 2012 3:49 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – The Toronto Transit Commission’s new boss and he says accountability will be a key issue during his realm.
Speaking at TTC headquarters Tuesday, Andy Byford promised an absolute transformation of the TTC.
He’s sending his managers out into the field.
“I’m talking about the nitty-gritty of running a transit system,” Byford said. “Getting punctuality right, getting safety right, getting basic customer service right.”
And he made it clear he’s not the new chief general manager, he’s the new CEO.
“The transition to the well-recognized title of CEO says that I intend to be held to account and judged on my results,” Byford explained.
Byford was hired by the TTC as deputy chief general manager four months ago following an extensive search. His appointment is still subject to approval by commissioners at a TTC meeting on March 30.
His background includes management positions with the London Underground and the transit system in Sydney, Australia.
Byford will be replacing former TTC chief GM Gary Webster. Webster was fired in February after clashing with Mayor Rob Ford over his subway plan.
Byford served as chief operating officer of the TTC since November before stepping in as acting chief GM.
