Wi-Fi, all-door boarding on TTC’s to-do list for 2015

The TTC has committed to completing 38 new customer-focused initiatives for 2015, including a plan to accept debit and credit card payments for single rides at all collector booths by the summer.

The initiatives, which focuses on modernizing the TTC and improving accessibility, are part of the transit service’s third Customer Charter released on Friday.

Other items on the checklist include implementing proof of payment systems and all-door boarding on every streetcar route by the end of the year and enabling Wi-Fi on the “U” portion of Line 1 from St George to Bloor-Yonge stations by the spring.

While speaking to reporters after unveiling the charter, TTC CEO Andy Byford said the charter is an important tool to increase the organization’s transparency.

“When I came here, we were regularly accused of not being customer-focused, of being a very secretive organization, of continually not meeting promises and of not really caring what the customer did,” Byford said.

“So a customer charter to me is a very bold statement of ‘here are some things that we will commit to do that you can hold us to account’ for and then they are time-bound commitments.”

TTC chair Josh Colle echoed Byford’s comments, saying he believes the charter holds the TTC and employees “to task.”

“The biggest consequence is that accountability. I know that (media) will be here next year with a list in hand telling us which ones we did meet or did not meet and I think that puts an amount of pressure on not only the TTC but all our employees,” Colle told CP24 Friday.

TTC officials admitted that seven out of the 39 items on last year’s charter were not completed.

Here is a full list of the initiatives on this year’s TTC Customer Charter:

• To make the priority seats easier to identify, we are changing their colour to blue. The new blue priority seats will be installed on 40% of our vehicles by the end of Q2.

• Blue priority seats will be installed on 90% of our vehicles by the end of Q4.

• We will complete an overhaul of the street level elevator at Dundas West Station and restore service in the third quarter.

• Construction will begin on the Easier Access project at Royal York Station. When completed in 2017, improvements will include elevators to all levels, an accessible fare gate, automatic sliding doors and improved signage.

• We will complete an overhaul of the street level elevator at the passenger pick up/ drop off (PPUDO) at Finch Station and restore service in the fourth quarter.

• Construction will begin on the Easier Access project at Dupont Station. When completed 2017, improvements will include elevators to all levels, an accessible fare gate, automatic sliding doors and improved signage.

• We will complete a spring cleaning of every station. Pressure washing of walls, floors and pillars at all bus bays, subway stations, passenger pick-up locations, station entrances and train platforms will take place. Attention will also be given to gum removal, graffiti, station signage, telephones, benches, trash containers, elevators and stairs.

• We will complete a fall cleaning of every station. Pressure washing of walls, floors and pillars at all bus bays, subway stations, passenger pick-up locations, station entrances and train platforms will again take place. Attention will also be given to gum removal, graffiti, station signage, telephones, benches, trash containers, elevators and stairs.

• We will complete the reconditioning of 10 station floors and baseboards to a polished finish.

• We will install the redesigned TTC system maps at all subway stations and transit shelters. We have redesigned our system map to make it easier for customers to read. This includes identifying different services more readily, showing bus and streetcar routes more clearly, and reducing clutter.

• We will make next train arrival times available on our website to keep you informed and up to date about our subway service.

• The Line 1 “U” from St George to Bloor-Yonge will be Wi-Fi enabled.

• A new easy-to-follow map of the TTC’s streetcar network will be installed on all streetcars to help you find your way.

• We will install 50 platform video screens, next vehicle arrival screens and station information screens in 20 stations. We will also install 40 LED next vehicle arrival displays in 20 Bus/Streetcar bays.

• Union Station's newly renovated platform and concourse will open to the public. It will include a new elevator, escalators and improves customer flow to reduce overcrowding.

• All collector booths will accept debit and credit contactless payment for a single ride. This will make paying your fare easier than ever before.

• To help families travel with ease, we will pilot a Family Pass for smart phones during the Pan Am / Parapan Am games.

• We will install bike repair stands at 10 stations to encourage cycling as part of your commute.

• We will upgrade speakers in seven subway stations: Yonge & Bloor, Spadina, Kennedy, Wilson, St. Clair West, Glencairn and Lawrence West. This will make public address announcements much easier to hear and understand.

• We will add PRESTO to 10 subway stations.

• All streetcars will have PRESTO devices installed at their front doors.

• With community group input, we will finalize the location of the second exit at Chester Station.

• 510 Spadina, 511 Bathurst and 509 Harbourfront will have all new streetcars and will include new features such as PRESTO devices, accessible low floors, all door boarding and air-conditioning.

• We will enhance the new Toronto Rocket subway trains by installing low-ceiling handholds and exterior door chimes.

• We will improve lighting inside 74 Subway trains through the replacement of fluorescent with energy efficient LED lighting.

• We will replace/repair wall tiles at four subway stations, stair tiles at four subway stations and floor tiles at five subway stations.

• All door boarding on 504 King Streetcar will begin making it easier for you to board the vehicle and speed up your journey time.

• We will promote the low cost and convenience of the 192 Airport Rocket with a bus wrap and in-system advertising.

• Proof of Payment (POP) and all door boarding will be implemented on 50% of our streetcar routes.

• All of our streetcar routes will go Proof of Payment (POP) and have all door boarding.

• On line 1 and 2, we will put into service two additional subway trains each during peak hours to reduce crowding and increase service.

• All TTC drivers and station staff will be wearing the new, modern TTC uniform.

• We will provide excellent service during the Pan Am / Parapan Am games through increased levels of service and more customer service staff to support all customers.

• There will be 5% fewer delays (incidents and minutes) on the subway compared to 2014. This is part of our commitment to reduce delays by 50% over the next 5 years.