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February 04, 2010 at 3:05:48 PM
greg
7min, give me a break, (pun intended)

To guy who took the video. When you are at work do you have to ask permission to go to the bath room? And if you did and someone said "NO" would you listen to them? Although I'm sure you don't take breaks, right. 5 min here, 5 min there. I think someone should follow you around with a camera to see how efficient you are. Would you still have a job tomorrow, probably? Good Grief.

February 04, 2010 at 3:07:47 PM
Brian Castillo
Give this driver a raise... if not they may strike again and a 7 min delay will be the least of our problems. I really wish I could get paid what these drivers get paid and get away with half as much, regardless at least he wasnt asleep.

February 04, 2010 at 3:10:42 PM
Chris
I don't think 7 minutes is unreasonable 1 minute to get there 1 minute back and 5 minutes in the bathroom is not unreasonable. Don't waste taxpayers money on a not necessary investigation.

February 04, 2010 at 3:21:31 PM
Tom
There. Video Taker. Are you happy now? Because the driver took a few minutes of your "precious" time, who you don't even KNOW for a fact whether or not he was "late" as you claim, to use the washroom and grab a waker uper (coffee) he now has no income for his family to put food on the table. Pat yourself on the back for that one!

February 04, 2010 at 3:24:26 PM
paul
Come on people we all take breaks at work and more people really take advantage at work the poor guy needs to use the washroom then grab a coffee whats the big deal....this city is turning into a bunch of rats. come on people just focus on yourself not on a bus driver going to the bathroom .

February 04, 2010 at 3:26:19 PM
L Plant
This is just a reminder that we are all being watched (and recorded) at any given time. I can understand the washroom break, but c'mon if buddy picks up a coffee too...you can bet he's gonna have to stop again! Another bathroom break & another coffee and so on and so on...perhaps his TTC bus should be equipped with a portapotty! After all, taxpayers can certainly afford more! Lets give our TTC drivers this luxury & that way the riders won't miss their next bus transfer (unless that driver stops for a coffee & a potty too !)

February 04, 2010 at 3:30:17 PM
Brian
The biggest problem hear is busdrivers do not get an hour or half hour for lunch or dinner most night crews come with if your lucky a 5 minute break at the end of the line. While most jobs give employees time for lunch and a break every 4 hours a busdriver can only wish for that .As far everyone filming the busdrivers they should all copyright thier image so when it is filmed permission must be given to use it

February 04, 2010 at 3:35:47 PM
Gerry
To the guy who took the video...they should suspend you from taking the TTC!! Serious? have you got nothing better to do? Maybe you should have followed him in to the washroom to make sure he was going. Granted the driver sounds ignorant and there is no excuse for that but dude, pretty low. I say "BAN THE VIDEO GUY" for beeing a tool and doing an incomplete job of video recording.

February 04, 2010 at 3:36:54 PM
Glenn
Would a TTC custodian get suspended if he or she took a 7 minute break for the washroom/coffee? Sure people were waiting but if this driver needed to use the washroom and grab a coffee, then let him. I would much rather that then have him rush to his next rest spot and put mine and other commuters safety at risk. This is by no means an open ticket for everybody to take extended breaks. People just have to take care of business while doing business!

February 04, 2010 at 3:44:24 PM
Former TTC user
This has been going on for years. This is not new. At least the bus driver on the bus I was on a 15 years back said 'I need to take a quick break, any body want to join? You will not need to pay fare to get back on'. I think communication is key here and how the driver response to the passangers when they questioned him. A little courtesy does go along way.

February 04, 2010 at 3:49:53 PM
Craig
What is this world coming to....get a life people....your mother waited 9 months for you, the least you can is wait 7 minutes for someone else..!!!!!!
the passenger should have been thrown off the bus for being confrontational with the driver..!!

February 04, 2010 at 3:50:38 PM
jk
Wow,
People, do you know some of the lines that the drivers have are 1 1/2 hours one way. When you got to go to the bathroom you gotta go. Why are TTC employees any different? This is a witch hunt. Shame on all you people who complain. I think TTC employee's should launch some sort of law suit for a poisened work environment due to riders and their crap. Come on this is pathetic, people take a look at your own conduct at work, we are not all perfect. How come police officers can take breaks grab a donut etc....? TTC employees are assualted on a day to day basis whether it is physical or verbal. Do their job for a day, and I am sure you wouldn't be pleasant to people.

February 04, 2010 at 3:58:19 PM
greg
"7 min delay is the least of our problems"


Fixed

February 04, 2010 at 4:00:37 PM
Oneil
A 7 minute break while frustrating to us passengers is not at all excessive and doesn't warrant suspension. Passengers need to budget their time and leave buffer time for Transit delays especially during the winter months.

February 04, 2010 at 4:05:09 PM
william taylor
give me a break is this a contest to see which one of us can get a ttc employee fired .......it must be because most of you were too stupid to get a job with the ttc and now allit is is sour f.....g grapes

February 04, 2010 at 4:10:11 PM
HATE TTC
TTC has been terrible all along and now that the people of Toronto have been fed up are speaking out. If you're going to raise fares then have the good service to at least justify it. Adam Giombrone wants to run for mayor. THis 32 year old, inexperienced kid wants to run for mayor. He can barely keep the commission in line. How in the world can he manage anything bigger than that!!!!

February 04, 2010 at 4:11:12 PM
dogger
if the driver had to go then we shouldn't penalize him for it. However, if this is a regular pit stop for him, he should plan a head before he heads out on his route. I'm not surprised that the over paid driver is as arrogant as he is, most TTC employees feel they are entitled to at least $70k-$80k/year (a driver showed me his T4 once because he needed it to buy a car from the dealership...he said it's not uncommon) for $30k/year work.

February 04, 2010 at 4:13:08 PM
Dan
Give the driver a break!!
I can be fairly certain that the guy who took the video was not as polite as he says nor was the driver as rude as he says.
While I agree that a 7 minute was excessive, he has every right to stop for a bathroom break and a coffee.

Lastly, if you wish to "get paid and get away with half as much" the way TTC drivers do, why not head over to the employment office and apply. Im sure after walking a mile in their shoes, your point of view will change.

February 04, 2010 at 4:13:43 PM
81
Do these stupid people with their cell phone cams know that when you post these pictures you are breaking the law? It's called privacy, when you post these pictures it says do you have the permission to post them, you didn't ask the driver or collector, there-fore you have broken their privacy, I would hope the Union and driver/collector start taking you to court for breaking their privacy rights.

February 04, 2010 at 4:15:43 PM
marc
i'm okay with the 7 min break - but i'm not okay if you are 15 min late, don't inform your riders, leave the bus door open, and talk like you own the TTC. Breaks are important and part of anybody's job however, this bus driver was completely out of line.

February 04, 2010 at 4:16:22 PM
Tanya
This makes me sick, that people tape other people and post it online. Since when do people get penalized for taking a coffee or bathroom break? What is this world coming to? How come noone ever tapes and posts online when a TTC driver does something good, and they do good everyday! This is ridiculous that he got suspended!

February 04, 2010 at 4:16:47 PM
mathew
would it be appropriate if a doctor stopped mid appointment to go for a coffee? what about a professor, mid lecture? how would you feel if your cabbie pulled over in the middle of your trip and got a snack? breaks are fine, but take them at the station, not in the middle of your route. if it is an emergency and you HAVE to use the bathroom, just let the passengers know. i have been discaplined for being late for work more than a few times because the driver of the bus/streetcar i was on has stopped for a coffee, and that is with budgeting an extra HOUR of transit time to account for delays and such. the sense of entitlement and job security at the TTC is appauling, maybe now they will be forced to realize that they are effecting other peoples lives too.

February 04, 2010 at 4:17:55 PM
jaswant
Private TTC and fire all the workers of TTC including working in office and employment office and hire people with low money .This way the fare is not going up every we will see and better service.The way they behave the customers is very rude including the employment office staff.They think they are the kings or queens of TTC.

February 04, 2010 at 4:23:52 PM
Ashalee
The employees of the Toronto Transit Commission gets away with murder on a regular basis. They abuse their rights and aren't ashamed to admit it. You have drivers who would run red lights just to stop at the nearest Tim Hortons, working on Crosswords and Sudoku puzzles while the lights are green. You also have drivers who assault the riders, make them pay all $4 to ride the bus because they think the amount they initially put it didn't add up. And have the nerve to call the police over a BUS FAIR. They get more than a decent pay so I would expect for them to take some kind of pride in their job and do what they are supposed to do.

February 04, 2010 at 4:40:34 PM
TorontoMum
7 min. is far too long for a quick bathroom break for any job that requires time efficiency, and I'm sure it would've taken 3 if coffee wasn't involved. If my job was as important as public transportation, I would be aware that I'm responsible to my passengers. Responsible for their safety, time efficiency and to a certain degree, their comfort & I'd use a thermos mug and get coffee on my own time. People pay for this service and should be able to reasonably expect good service.
Recently, I've thought that folks are getting down on the TTC too much, but after riding it today for the first time in a year. Jeez. I agree, it's atrocious service and so out-dated!!
$3 for one ride, one way to pick up an item and pay another $3 just five min.

February 04, 2010 at 4:44:15 PM
jun
those ttc drivers taking coffee break must be relieved so that nothing follows them coz we commuter and workers time is important to us,.im riding in an eglinton bus and it always happen this coffee break in early morning time by these stupid ttc drivers and justlet the riders waiting in their bus,.its annoying and rude,.

February 04, 2010 at 4:58:27 PM
Michael Cowan
A TTC driver sits for hours on a bus, getting cold when he/she opens the door and warm when it closes. Drivers take constant abuse from ignorant riders and so a fast bathroom break and grabbing a hot coffee in the middle of winter seems pretty harmless to me. Driving a bus is NOT as easy at it seems - anyone who thinks it is should give it a try, and NO I am not a TTC employee and never have been.

February 04, 2010 at 4:58:40 PM
JOHN
the attitude and statement by saying "here's my badge number, go and complain, but the union will protect me" is just wrong. the union should let him go just b/c of that statement, make the driver eat his own words!!!, that would be hilarious!!!...that will show him he ain't all that. again this shows how bad the union is and the driver's arrogance. this blemishes the union and ttc empoyees, but then again their image can only go lower, they will never improve...

February 04, 2010 at 5:04:01 PM
Anthony
Absolutely ridiculous!

Leave the poor bus driver alone. I've seen bus drivers making the coffee stop for years. This guy is taking an unfair hit from the media for something many drivers do. I think we need to start focussing on more important social issues. Slow news week maybe???

February 04, 2010 at 5:04:43 PM
Robert
Finally there is a ray of light on what it is to be a TTC unionized employee. What do you want to bet that when their contract is up they'll strike for more money and "better working conditions". You know, it's just not fair that we don't supply a pillow and blanket as a standard benefit to these folks.

It's also humerous that the TTC's much advertised "renewed commitment to customer service" contains absolutely no provisions related to the performance of its employees. Automated signs, internet access to information, and automated GPS units in the vehicles, but god forbid they actually focus on the problem.

February 04, 2010 at 5:06:08 PM
Steve
I sympathize with the drive that he needs to take a break. However, I have seen them doing it on other routes at will.
Yet, I recall that a few years ago during bad winter storm I was waiting for the Steeles East bus at the Don Mills Road for over one hour. I was half frozen and couldn’t take it any more so I went to a coffee shop close by. When I was paying for it a bus came. I rushed but missed it. The next bus came almost immediately and the drive made rude and loud comments when I gave him my transfer ticket. Still frozen I went to deposit another ticket but he put his hand over the box preventing me to do so. When I was getting off the bus he made another nasty remark and closed the door immediately.
That was the last time I used TTC bus.

February 04, 2010 at 5:11:33 PM
Rui Moreira
When the TTC went on strike we had to deal with it all, Now I think we all deserve to get the right service after all we gave them the money they wanted, Now it's time we get the service that we are paying for... Don't be criticizing the person who took the video, because this kind of stuff will be useful next time they go on strike..

February 04, 2010 at 5:14:07 PM
Margaret
Why don't people just leave the TTC alone!! They are not ROBOTS, we are all human beings and we all have flaws, nobody's perfect.
Now this man's job is on the line all because he wanted to have a 7 minute coffee break?
Give me a break!
This guy and all other TTC employees are just trying to do their job and make a living for their families. It's too bad that they have to deal with so much negativity from the public.
How would you feel if you had someone snapping photos or video of your every movement while on the job?? If that was the case, alot of us would be out of a job.
This is just pathetic and I hope these photo/video takers are still getting fined for violating TTC By-Law #1!!!

February 04, 2010 at 5:14:25 PM
Vasil 73
hey! that's okay! just get a coffee?go to the washroom? not to get sleepy and most not to get peehpooh that's make him trouble! please do understand!! you guy who took the video,take some good scene around the city that's will be better for you!don't mind about other business specially when it comes on their health!!I am senior running age 73 I have more knowledged than you!Please!don't punish this driver!!

February 04, 2010 at 5:44:24 PM
R.Stewart
I can fully understand the driver's reasons for a bathroom break. When you gotta go, you gotta go! One or Two, sometimes you never know. But as the bus was already late 15 minutes, I can understand why the passengers were frustrated. I have to stand 30 minutes in the cold on the Sheppard Ave and Victoria Pk route for a bus every night, while two buses speed by with signs "Not in service" registered. With the recent rash of TTC incidents in the news, it's looking more and more like the TTC doesn't deserve the price hike. And to be rude like he did, is unacceptable!

February 04, 2010 at 5:44:46 PM
Jason
I beleve the drive should inform the passengers before he takes a break. He's human, he needs time to strech, go to the washroom etc. The TTC isn't run by robots. Your telling me everyone that works, works 12 hours without taking a washroom break or a coffee? yeah right ...

February 04, 2010 at 5:56:03 PM
june
i for one do not blame people for calling out the ttc for everything even if it is petty (people are fed up) because these things have been brought to the ttc's attention for years and they have done nothing about it. i have been riding ttc for some 30 years and all this is nothing new. but now we are in the digital age and people are not buying gadgets with cameras for nothing SNAP AWAY at the ttc i say. these things are a bad habit the ttc needs to cut out. i mean i had a driver stop for some fries during his route and i was already late!! (He did'nt even share.)There was another driver who pulled in at lawrence rt went for break and after 10-15min came back with wet paper towel and started cleaning the poles in the bus!!!! and let's not talk about drivers who see people running for the bus and leave them..

February 04, 2010 at 5:56:35 PM
~M~
WOW... with all these pictures and video that are being taken without the consent of those drivers and collectors, and the media making it big news, I'm sure that you all have 15min breaks twice a day , they don't... and for them being rude , well i say you get what you give, smile and you will get a smile, those people with all they're complaints i'm sure that they are perfect at work and not take breaks and have to ask to use the bathroom ..Come on people ...

February 04, 2010 at 5:58:22 PM
Sandy
It's too bad that some morons like to air their opinion before knowing about TTC situations. The drivers are not overly paid and certainly do not get $80,000 per year. For that money, they get sworn at, verbally abused, physically assaulted, spit on and shot. Except for the shooting, this goes on every day. In the matter of the driver going for a coffee, most people are aware that donut shops require you buy something before using the washroom. Drivers are not given enough time to take a washroom break, so they must make their own time. God forbid any of you should really have to go.
In the matter of the collector sleeping, the fellow could have been doing a double (happens regularly) or he have a medical problem. That gives no one the right to take a picture and ruin this man's life.

February 04, 2010 at 6:05:28 PM
Adam
This is not an isolated incident or an isolated situation.

I've travelled on a number of TTC routes in the city (streetcars and buses) where the driver has stopped outside of a coffee shop and gone in for a coffee or snack. Normally, the visit lasts less then 7 minutes and I've never bothered to shoot a video.

I think this is further evidence of what happens when a system is so obviously broken and a dysfunctional union goes to bat for their employees just for the sake of batting for their employees.

February 04, 2010 at 6:11:44 PM
Gary Arvisais
This driver is in the habit of behaving with rude disregard of his passengers. The TTC doesn't need employees like this. Taking extended breaks on company time, telling passengers to shove things up their a****, and telling others to shut up. No he CAN'T do as he pleases!

February 04, 2010 at 6:14:33 PM
wtf
One of the reasons they do that is because they are a 'Monopoly' in Toronto bus routes.These things would surely not happen if there were other competitors;Seriously!
By the way,who really likes TTC? Tell me urself??
Not even me!!!

February 04, 2010 at 6:24:17 PM
jack
I don't think the problem is eitherthe customer being late, the bus left unattended, or the driver taking a pee/coffee break, but rather the attitude of the driver that both HE and HIS union are untouchable.
THAT is the problem that needs correcting!

February 04, 2010 at 6:25:39 PM
Tim Horton
Luckily in Canada we don't have to worry about serious issues, like earthquakes and extreme poverty. Why not focus all of our free time and energy on crtiticizing one of the most efficient transit systems n the world? Try getting to where you're going on time in a city like London - delays are not only accepted but expected. Give me a break people. Be proud that in Canada we have the freedom to pee when we have to without being lynched.

February 04, 2010 at 6:27:51 PM
Cruz
Good grief!! I do not think this is over the top, what is the big deal?? How long should one hold it in for? Give people a break!! How long does it take you to go relief yourself, one minute?? At the least five minutes.

February 04, 2010 at 6:28:07 PM
helen culbertson
The drivers have the right to go washroom but I waitet for this a few time alredy 5 til 7 minutes.Otherwise Iam very happy with the TTC.Perhaps some drivers should be honoured for theyre friendlynessYou will always have black sheeps everywhere and dealing with some crumpy riders.....no thanks even for a rise Iwould not do this job

February 04, 2010 at 6:33:25 PM
Key
There's a great deal of criticism being offered by the public, and (typically) little constructive advice on this matter. Advice is difficult to give when you don't fully understand the situation. People are very traumatized when what they percieve to be their rights are trampled upon, less so when they witness others' rights being ignored. Are TTC drivers not given sufficient breaks that they have to take them on the road, or is this an issue of a driver doing as he pleases because he feels he won't be punished for it? I'm not going to take this guy as a representative for all TTC employees, and neither should you. There's a frustation toward the TTC that is being improperly directed toward front-line employees and that needs to stop.

February 04, 2010 at 9:23:59 PM
Anita
It's not the 7 minutes that is the problem. It's the TTC driver's attitude's that is the problem. Shouldn't have the union, it's 21st century, not the 60's.

February 04, 2010 at 9:27:01 PM
Rav
................its stupid Issue. if you are at work .....you still attend nature's call..........lol! somebody must be outof mind to shot this video postedand put someone's career in "suspend"!

February 04, 2010 at 9:32:36 PM
Disgusted
Wow. That's the treatment I got at St Andrews subway once. In the middle of rush hour (5ish), I was at the ticket booth and politely asked for change to get on the subway. The ticket collector was COUNTING HIS TICKETS (with about 10 people in line behind me) and totally ignored my request. After about a minute, I said "excuse me can I get change". And the guy says to me "Everywhere else you wait. You wait till I'm ready".

Wow - seems like this attitude of entitlement is a TTC epidemic.

Vote for Adam Giambrone for Mayor - you have to be kidding.