Item - 2025.TTC1.11

The Toronto Transit Commission received the Approved Minutes of the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) General Monthly Meeting of October 30, 2024 and November 28, 2024 for information.

The Chair of the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit delivered a verbal presentation on the Approved Minutes of the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) General Monthly Meeting of October 30, 2024 and November 28, 2024.

The Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) is forwarding the approved minutes of its General monthly meetings of October 30, 2024 and November 28, 2024 to the January 2025 Board Meeting for information. During the October meeting, TTC Executives presented information on the Easier Access Program as well as the ongoing modifications to railings, automatic doors, and the subway platform edge tile gap remediation. An update on the 5-Year Accessibility Plan was provided, speaking to new initiatives and ongoing phases of feedback. The TTC Board approved providing ACAT members with an additional honorarium to compensate and recognize their work; and finally, a CNIB Get On Board Transit Campaign panel taking place on October 31, 2024 was discussed.

At the November ACAT General Meeting, TTC staff spoke to the usage of electric scooters, wheel-chairs, and medical devices on the system; all Wheel-Trans Accessible Taxis having the Where’s My Ride capability by the end of 2024; and asked members to attend 2025 Operator Recertification sessions to address trainees and answer any questions. TTC staff confirmed the new annual ACAT honorarium would be paid out to members on a monthly basis. Lastly, ACAT members revised a motion to complete AODA Training online once their membership on the Committee commences.

The following is a summary of the main topics discussed at the October ACAT Subcommittee meetings:

Communications Subcommittee
Communications Subcommittee Meeting did not take place in October.

Design Review Subcommittee
• Members spoke to issues hearing announcements on Proterra and conventional buses. TTC staff are investigating the issue.
• Regarding the Scarborough Subway Extension, TTC and Metrolinx met over the side platform widths and confirmed they comply with the Building Code. Members asked for a reassessment and to have accurate drawings provided.
• Regarding the Electric Bus Showcase that took place on October 21, 2024, feedback included: a sound generator to be added to the electric buses for safety; the new Flyer ramp is wider and allows for better flexibility for mobility aid users; members suggested adding grab bars to buses; the Priority Seating Area decal is better situated, non-upholstered seats include a drain hole at the bottom; as well as fold-down arm rests are between individual priority seats; red and blue stop buttons would be on each bus, sounding off a different chime.

Service Planning Subcommittee
Service Planning Subcommittee Meeting did not take place in October.

Wheel-Trans Operations Subcommittee
• TTC staff provided an overview on the updated booking and scheduling system for Wheel-Trans. There was summaries provided on the objectives in making the booking system more accessible, equitable, and inclusive.
• Review of the Wheel-Trans Complaints took place where members inquired about investigating claims and the process when complaints are put through.

The following is a summary of the main topics discussed at the November ACAT Subcommittee meetings:

Communications Subcommittee
• A new video regarding enhanced TTC service for the Taylor Swift concerts was shared and members provided feedback on the descriptive components, as the video was already finalized without ACAT feedback.
• TTC staff spoke to live updates being posted on bus screens informing customers of elevator or escalator outages at stations, there is no confirmed timeline for implementation yet.

Design Review Subcommittee
Design Review Subcommittee Meeting did not take place in November.

Service Planning Subcommittee
• TTC staff provided a presentation on the Jane Street Rapid TO Project – an initiative to reduce travel time for customers living on Jane St between Steeles and St. Clair.
• An update on signage design that is being implemented throughout the TTC was provided and members provided comments.

Wheel-Trans Operations Subcommittee
• An update on Family of Services (FOS) was provided. As of week 44, the TTC has seen increases in FOS trips since 2023. Members had questions regarding how customers are informed about their trips if they do not have a cellphone.
• Findings from TTC’s Bus Operator Accessibility Compliance Audit were shared and divers were not compliant with accessibility standards. Bus Transportation will provide ongoing securement refresher courses along with the support of Travel Trainers.
• Special arrangements for Wheel-Trans pick-ups were coordinated with Rogers Centre during Taylor Swift concert nights.

Betty Rivington-Law, 2025 ACAT Chair, will present the minutes to the TTC Board