TTC adjusting acoustics on Pride chimes after commuter reactions
Posted June 16, 2023 7:59 am.
Last Updated June 16, 2023 8:03 am.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) says it will be removing the chimes rolled out in celebration of Pride Month and adjusting the acoustics on the jingle after commuters reported being confused and taken aback by the sound.
In late May, the TTC announced that “the sounds of Pride” would fill subway stations with the iconic TTC three-tone announcement chime to be performed by “Singing Out,” considered the city’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ community choir.
They had partnered with the choir to produce three versions of the chime expected to be played before all station and platform announcements. It was intended to sound like this:
View this post on Instagram
Instead, many TTC riders have taken to social media to describe what they’re calling an awful sound, not at all in line with what is supposed to be a fun jingle.
One person wrote, “The TTC sound is just awful. You have to get rid of this.”
Another person tweeted, “What is this squawking sound in the TTC subway stations?” Those are only a few examples of Torontonians recently sharing their thoughts.
The TTC posted on Thursday they had listened to feedback and would be removing the chimes for now to work on adjusting the acoustics to bring it back in time for Pride Weekend on June 23 to 25.
Did you hear the Pride Chimes by @SingingOutLGBTQ played in subway stations? We listened to your feedback, and we're removing the chimes to adjust the acoustics before bringing it back in time for Pride Weekend on June 23. ❤️???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/gW0hPnrqaa
— TTC Customer Service (@TTChelps) June 15, 2023
The choir posted they are looking forward to the adjusted acoustics for Pride Weekend.
“The thought behind the chimes was to do something fun and new and work with the TTC to celebrate the City’s diversity and get everyone excited for Pride month. While that didn’t go entirely as planned, we’re still incredibly proud of the partnership with the TTC and our great work together,” read their post.
