Board Meeting - November 18, 2013

K. Stintz (Chair), M. Adamson (Vice-Chair), M. Augimeri, J. Colle, G. De Baeremaeker, A. Heisey, P. Milczyn and J. Parker (Board Members), A. Byford (Chief Executive Officer), J. Taylor (Chief of Staff), S. Ghaly (Chief Capital Officer), B. Hughes (Acting Chief Customer Officer), V. Rodo (Chief Financial & Administration Officer), G. Shortt (Acting Chief Operating Officer), C. Upfold (Acting Chief Service Officer), B. Leck (Head of Legal & General Counsel), B. Ross (Executive Director of Corporate Communications), O. Kobylansky (Head of Bus Transportation), M. Stambler (Head of Strategy and Service Planning), M. Roche (Head of Finance and Treasurer), S. Reed Tanaka (Head of Engineering), A. Pace (Head of Strategic Partnerships), J. Murray (Chief Project Manager – Construction), V. Cosentino (Director – Statistics), J. Imbrogno (Funding Program Co-ordinator – Capital Accounting), R. Caramanico (Acting Head of Customer Service Centre), K. Lee (Head of Commission Services) and D. McDonald (Co-ordinator – Corporate Secretariat Services) were present.

K. Stintz was in the Chair.

A. Smith (Head of Customer Communications), M. Leo-Oliver (Manager – Special Events) and S. Nicastro (Recognition Programs and Events Assistant) were present for Item 2(a) – 40 Year Long Service Acknowledgement.

Nil

Vice-Chair Adamson moved that the Board approve the minutes from Meeting No. 1963 and that the Chair and Chief Financial & Administration Officer be authorized to sign the same.

The motion by Vice-Chair Adamson carried.

NIL

Chair Stintz moved that the Board recess to meet as the Committee of the Whole to deal with litigation or potential litigation matters, labour relations, employee negotiations, and to receive advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

The motion by Chair Stintz carried.

Meeting (open to the public) – 1:05 p.m.

Committee Room 2, City Hall

a) Downtown Relief Line (request from October 23, 2013 meeting)

Sharon Yetman
Platform Technology Consultancy

The Board received the deputation for information and referred the public presentation to staff for review and direct follow-up with the deputant.

b) Chief Executive Officer’s Report – November 2013 Update

Sharon Yetman
Platform Technology Consultancy

The Board received the deputation for information and referred the public presentation to staff for review and direct follow-up with the deputant.
(See Item 3(a) for minute).

c) TTC Fare Policy – Requests for Fare Discounts

Sam Savona
(submitted brief)

Angela Marley
(ACAT Chair)

Bruce Budd
Transport Action Ontario
(submitted brief)

Prior to commencing with the next public presentation Chair Stintz moved under Section 7(a) of the Bylaw to Govern Commission Proceedings that the Board waive Section 13(a) relating to notice provisions for public presentations to permit a deputation from Councillor Joe Mihevc on this item.

The motion by Chair Stintz carried on a two thirds vote of the members present.

Councillor Joe Mihevc
City of Toronto
(submitted brief)

The Board received the deputations for information.
(See Item 3(b) for minute).

d) Yonge-Eglinton and Eglinton West Interchange Stations – Preliminary Concept Design Approvals – Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit Project

Sharon Yetman
Platform Technology Consultancy

The Board received the deputation for information and referred the public presentation to staff for review and direct follow-up with the deputant.
(See Item 8(d) for minute).

e) 2014 – 2023 TTC Capital Budget

Sharon Yetman
Platform Technology Consultancy

The Board received the deputation for information and referred the public presentation to staff for review and direct follow-up with the deputant.
(See Item 3(e) for minute).

f) 2014 TTC and Wheel-Trans Operating Budgets

Prior to proceeding with public presentations on this item Chair Stintz moved under Section 8(a) of the By-law to Govern Commission Proceedings that the Board amend Section 13(c) to limit public presentations to 3-minutes in order to hear from as many members of the public as possible.

The motion by Chair Stintz carried on a two thirds vote of the members present.

Sharon Yetman
Platform Technology Consultancy

Jessica Bell
(submitted brief)

Walied Khogali

TTCriders

Jennifer Huang

Toronto & York Labour

Helen Liu

Ontario Chinese Seniors

Helen Armstrong

St. Stephens House

Fatima Pique

(submitted brief)

Shaun Cleaver

TTCriders

Guled Arale

Brian Boehlert

Dewitt Lee

Chaitanya Kalevar

(submitted brief)

Herman Rosenfeld

Stefanie Hardman

TTCriders

Tina Shapiro

Fair Fare Coalition

Lisa Pzhke

TTCriders

Lou Israel

Sonny Yeung

Ikram Freed

(submitted brief)

NIL

Nil

Nil

Nil

1. Reports with Confidential Attachments (Committee of the Whole)

a) Surface Vehicle Automated Stop Announcement System (SVASAS)
The Board:
1. Approved the recommendation as set out in the Confidential Attachment; and

2. That the information as set out in the Confidential Attachment remain confidential as it contains advice and communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege.

Prior to commencing with the Presentations portion of the agenda, Chair Stintz read a number of commendation letters from TTC customers. The first letter thanked staff for their helpful and considerate actions which resulted in the safe return of her lost purse on the subway. The second letter acknowledges the efficient and hard work of a collector during peak Metropass sales time when lines were long and busy. The next letter recognizes the crash gate collector at Bay Station who assisted an elderly female customer walking with a cane by carrying here bundle buggy to subway platform level and then suggesting to her which car would be best for her to board based on the station she was getting off at. The fourth letter acknowledges a streetcar operator who engaged riders with trivia questions and some interesting facts about streetcars. In the final letter the customer describes how impressive a female streetcar operator was when she took the time to clean the vehicle of debris before beginning her run.

The Board extended its appreciation to all of these employees for their excellent work and the positive image of the TTC they promote during the performance of their duties.

2. Presentations

a) 40 Year Long Service Acknowledgement

Chair Stintz presented the following employees with framed certificates for achieving 40 years of service at the TTC:

Eric Humphrey 
Robert Fraser
Ian Ward 
David Crockford
William England 
Thomas Green
Donald Miller 
Vincent Varano

Chair Stintz also acknowledged the following employees for 40 years of service at the TTC who were unable to attend the meeting:

Valentino DiDomizio 
Luciano Melito
William Hill 
Wolfgang Thonert
Beverley Dealhoy

On behalf of the TTC Board, Chair Stintz thanked the recipients for their dedication and commitment to the TTC for the past 40 years.

b) North Yonge Subway Line Early Closure

G. Shortt, Acting Chief Operating Officer provided a PowerPoint presentation on this item.

The Board received the presentation for information and adopted the recommendation contained in the staff report, as follows:

“It is recommended that the TTC Board approve the North Yonge Subway early closure for 2014 and 2015 as recommended in the attached presentation. The presentation provides the background and reasons for the early shutdown”.

3. Budget Matters

a) Chief Executive Officer’s Report – November 2013 Update

It is recommended that the TTC Board forward a copy of this report to (1) each City of Toronto Councillor and (2) the City Deputy Manager and Chief Financial Officer, for information.

Approved

b) TTC Fare Policy – Requests for Fare Discounts

The Board approved the recommendation in the staff report, as follows:

“It is recommended that the Board forward this report to the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario, noting that:

-It is beyond the mandate and expertise of the TTC to effectively resolve broader social and community issues related to income distribution;

-The current TTC policy regarding concession fares is that new or reduced concession fares will only be considered if arrangements are made to subsidize the TTC for the associated revenue loss. Additional subsidy is required to avoid placing the burden of the proposed program on existing riders through increased fares and/or reduced services;

-TTC fares are normally established in conjunction with decisions about subsidy levels to maximize ridership while ensuring there are sufficient revenues to meet the TTC’s financial obligations. This will be particularly challenging in 2014, as the TTC currently faces an operating budget pressure;

-The implementation of any, or all, of the proposed initiatives described in this report would only add to the TTC’s budget pressures. For this reason, TTC staff recommend that no change be made to the current concession fare structure; and

-Significant changes to fare policy in relation to peak and off-peak travel are not easily implemented or managed under the TTC’s current fare system. The PRESTO system will allow increased flexibility on policies of this nature when implementation is complete”.

The Board also adopted the following motion moved by Commissioner Colle:

That the TTC request that the Provincial and Federal Governments consider providing financial support and/or incentives for TTC Metropass purchases by seniors and ODSP/OWP recipients.

Chair Stintz moved adoption of the item, as amended.

The motion by Chair Stintz carried.

c) Eliminating Fares for Support Persons Travelling with a Person with Disabilities: AODA Legislative Requirement

It is recommended that the Board:

1. Approve implementing the fare-change program described in this report, whereby no fare is charged for a support person travelling with a person with disabilities, effective January 1, 2014, noting that this is a legislative requirement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA);

2. Reiterate its request that the Province of Ontario provide clear and consistent definitions and processes, and associated funding to the TTC and other transit operators, to implement this provincially-mandated requirement; and

3. Forward this report to the City of Toronto, Metrolinx, and the Ontario Ministries of Economic Development, Trade, and Employment and Transportation.

Approved

d) Integration of TTC and GO Fares Update

It is recommended that the Board receive this update report, noting that:

-Metrolinx, TTC, and City staff recognize the importance of GO/TTC fare integration, and are working together to advance it;

-fare integration between TTC and GO involves complex policy and funding issues that could significantly affect the costs and revenues of both the TTC and GO systems. Metrolinx is undertaking a region-wide study and will report out on this in the Fall of 2014 with potential quick wins identified in Spring 2014;

-fare integration pilot projects at selected individual stations will be considered pending a comprehensive policy and funding agreement to address all aspects of GO/TTC fare integration; and

-this report has been prepared in consultation with Metrolinx staff.

Received

e) 2014-2023 TTC Capital Budget

The Board received one deputation on this item prior to adjournment of the meeting. The subject report was then held over to an Emergency Meeting of the Board to be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at TTC Head Office, 1900 Yonge St.

f) 2014 TTC and Wheel-Trans Operating Budgets

The Board received nineteen (19) deputations on this item prior to adjournment of the meeting. The subject report was then held over to an Emergency Meeting of the Board to be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at TTC Head Office, 1900 Yonge St.

4. Procurement Authorizations

a) Procurement Authorization – Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension – Tunnel Equipping – Contract A60-23

It is recommended that the Board authorize the award of a contract to Black & McDonald Limited in the amount of $20,616,850.00 for Contract A60-23, Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE) – Tunnel Equipping.

Approved

b) Procurement Authorization – Supply of Kone Escalator Parts

It is recommended that the Board authorize the award of a three-year inventory supply contract for the supply of Kone escalator parts for the period February 2014 to February 2017 to Kone Inc. in the upset limit amount of $7,380,000 including applicable taxes.

Approved

c) Procurement Authorization – Supply of Cummins ISB 6.7L Diesel Engines

It is recommended that the Board authorize the award of a contract for the supply of 324 Cummins ISB 6.7L diesel engines to U.S. Engine Production MI, Inc. in the amount of $6,544,232.28 CDN including applicable taxes for a period of 26 months.

Approved

d) Procurement Authorization – Supply of Fuel Credit Cards/Secure Devices for Fuel Purchase for a 3-Year Term

It is recommended that the Board authorize the award of a three-year contract for the supply of fuel credit cards/secure devices for fuel purchase for the period December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2016 to Suncor Energy Products Partnership (Suncor) in the upset limit amount of $6,800,000 including applicable taxes.

Approved

5. Procurement Authorization Amendments

a) Procurement Authorization Amendment – Information Technology Placement Firms for Technical Service Assistance

It is recommended that the Board authorize the issuance of amendments to nine (9) of the existing seventeen (17) contracts for the provision of technical assistance for information technology projects that will serve to:

1. Extend the expiry dated from December 31, 2013 to April 30, 2014; and

2. Increase the upset limit amounts by an aggregate of $6,500,000 such that the total upset limit amounts for all contracts combined increases from $25,217,000 to $31,717,000 as detailed on Appendix A.

6. Notice of Awards

NIL

7. Service Matters

NIL

8. Other Business

a) Auditor General’s Report – Continuous Controls Monitoring Program – Toronto Transit Commission’s Six-Month Review of Employees Overtime and Related Expenses, 2013

It is recommended that the Board:

1. Forward the attached report from the Auditor General’s Office, City of Toronto, on the Continuous Controls Monitoring Program – Toronto Transit Commission, Six-month Review of Employees Overtime and Related Expenses, 2013 to the City Audit Committee.

Approved

b) TTC Office Consolidation Study

It is recommended that the Board receive this report for information.

Received

c) Islington Station – Temporary Bus Terminal

It is recommended that the Board:

1. Note that:

a. owing to ongoing deterioration of the concrete slab underneath the bus terminal at Islington Station, it must be closed for repairs within three years or less;

b. the current bus terminal is very busy, and is used by three TTC routes and fourteen Mississauga Transit (MiWay) bus routes, all of which will likely have to be accommodated in some alternative arrangement when the terminal is closed;

c. the closure of the bus terminal will require that a temporary bus terminal be constructed in the area adjacent to the current bus terminal;

d. TTC staff will report back in February 2014 on the property requirements, cost estimate and funding sources for the temporary bus terminal at Islington Station;

2. Formally advise the City of Toronto and Build Toronto that the TTC may require the use of some portion of the lands at 3326 Bloor Street West and 1226 Islington Avenue for the temporary bus terminal, the extent, scope and duration of which will be determined in consultation with all parties;

3. Request the City of Mississauga to formally confirm by December 15, 2013 that they require accommodation for MiWay buses in the temporary bus terminal beginning in January 2017, and to advise if they agree in principle to a cost-sharing agreement for the design and construction of this temporary terminal;

4. Request Metrolinx to provide a firm schedule for the construction of the Kipling Mobility Hub regional bus terminal at Kipling Station; and

5. Forward this report to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.

Approved

d) Yonge-Eglinton and Eglinton West Interchange Stations – Preliminary Concept Design Approvals – Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit Project

S. Reed Tanaka, Head of Engineering, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on this item.
The Board received the presentation for information and approved the recommendation in the staff report, as follows:

“It is recommended that the Board:

a) Approve the preliminary design concepts for Yonge-Eglinton and Eglinton West interchange stations presented in this report as they adequately address the TTC’s fundamental requirements that:

-customers can transfer between transit modes in a direct, convenient way with no backtracking or circuitous movements, and enjoy fast and easy inter- modal transfers which are the hallmark of the TTC system; and
-the new Light Rail Transit stations not negatively affect the existing subway station and TTC system operating performance.

b) Note that:

-the design for Yonge-Eglinton interchange station requires upgrades to the fire ventilation system for Eglinton subway station to current code requirements, and up to $50 Million will be included in a future Capital Budget request;

-the selected Bidder of the Metrolinx Alternative Financing and Procurement process may bring forward alternative designs that are significantly different from the preliminary designs presented in this report;

-the interchange stations at both Yonge-Eglinton and Eglinton West will require significant excavation under the existing subway structures and will require weekend closure of portions of the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line;

- the constructability analysis, cost and schedule are not included in this report as they have not been established for the station modifications in sufficient detail;

-an update on the status of the Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit Project is included in this report; and

- future design and construction staging recommendations will be brought forward to the Board for approval including: Kennedy Station preliminary concept design; final designs for the three interchange subway stations; the number and duration of subway closures required; and any material or significant change to the concepts presented in this report”.

The Board also adopted the following motion moved by Commissioner Colle:

That the TTC, in consultation with Build Toronto, Metrolinx, the City of Toronto, and the local Councillor conduct a review of the development potential of the Eglinton Station and Eglinton West subway station sites.

Chair Stintz moved adoption of the item, as amended.

The motion by Chair Stintz carried.

9. New Business

a) Concerning the Potential Relocation of TTC Bus Stops on Burnhamthorpe Road in the Vicinity of Meadowbank Road

Submitted by Commissioner Milczyn:

Recommendation

1. That the Board direct staff to report back to the December TTC Board meeting on retaining the current location of the TTC bus stops on Burnhamthorpe Road in the vicinity of Meadowbank Road despite the installation of new mid-block traffic signals between Meadowbank Road and Laurel Avenue.

Background

Toronto City Council approved at its meeting of November 13,14,15 – 2013 the installation of a new mid-block traffic control signal on Burnhamthorpe Road at a point approximately 63 meters west of Laurel Avenue. This new traffic signal is to replace an existing pedestrian crossing (PXO) at the intersection of Burnhamthorpe Road and Meadowbank Road. Existing TTC bus stops exist in the area and are provided with bus bays. City of Toronto Transportation staff have expressed a concern that TTC staff may wish to relocate the existing stops as a result of the new traffic signal and that the city may consequently be required to alter the roadway at considerable expense.

The existing stops are appropriately spaced and well within easy walking distance of the new traffic control signal. The relocation of the bus stops is not required or desirable to the community or City of Toronto.

(September 20, 2013) Report from the Director, Transportation Services - Etobicoke York District regarding Traffic Control Signals at Burnhamthorpe Road and Meadowbank Road
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-62092.pdf

Attachment 1 - Map, Attachment 2 - Option 2, Mid-block Signal Plan
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-62093.pdf

Approved

b) Potential for an Apps Contest using TTC Data

Submitted by Chair Stintz:

Recommendation

That TTC staff report back to the December meeting on the potential for a contest that looks at the best apps that have been developed using TTC open data.

Approved

10. Correspondence

C1 – Councillor McMahon expressing support for integration of TTC and GO fares and requesting that the Danforth GO Station be considered as a pilot location.

The Board received the communication for information
(See Item 3(d) for minute).

C2 – Angela Marley, ACAT Chair forwarding the approved minutes of the September 26, 2013 General Monthly meeting of the ACAT Advisory Committee.

The Board received the communication for information.

C3 – Philip Webb, Cities Centre, University of Toronto regarding subway maintenance scheduling.

The Board referred the communication to staff for consideration.

C4 – Angela Marley, ACAT Chair regarding fare discounts for Torontonians with disabilities who are recipients of ODSP.

The Board received the communication for information.
(See Item 3(b) for minute).

C5 – Karl Junkin regarding the Affordable Transit Pass Program offered by the Hamilton Street Railway and the City of Hamilton.

The Board received the communication for information.
(See Item 3(b) for minute).

C6 – Bruce Budd, Transport Action Ontario regarding the Affordable Transit Pass Program offered by the Hamilton Street Railway and the City of Hamilton.

The Board received the communication for information.
(See Item 3(b) for minute).

C7 – Councillor Davis regarding integration of TTC and GO fares and requesting that the Danforth GO Station be considered as a pilot location.

The Board received the communication for information
(See Item 3(d) for minute).

11. Procurement Authorization – Woodbine Station – Easier Access and Second Exit – Contract DC9-4.

It is recommended that:

1. The Board authorize the award of Contract DC9-4, Woodbine Station Easier Access and Second Exit to Aecon Buildings, a division of Aecon Construction Group Inc. in the amount of $19,682,340.00.

2. The Board receive the Confidential Attachment.

3. The confidential information in the Confidential Attachment remains confidential in its entirety as it contains information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.

Approved

The meeting recessed at 3:25 p.m. and re-convened at 5:50 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. and an Emergency Meeting was called for Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the TTC Head Office, 1900 Yonge Street to complete unfinished business Items 3(e) – 2014-2023 TTC Capital Budget and 3(f) – 2014 TTC and Wheel-Trans Operating Budgets.

The Board approved a report recommending a temporary bus terminal be constructed at Islington Station due to the deteriorated state of the concrete slab underneath a portion of the bus terminal. The bus terminal would have to be closed within the next three years. As a result, a temporary terminal must be built on the adjacent property. The report also requests that the City of Mississauga formally confirm by Dec. 15, 2013 that MiWay buses require space in the temporary facility beginning in 2017, and that Metrolinx provide a firm schedule for the construction of the Kipling Mobility Hub (regional bus terminal at Kipling Station).

The Board approved the award of a contract worth $19.7 million to Aecon Buildings for the Woodbine Station easier access and second exit project. Major work includes the installation of two elevators connecting the eastbound and westbound platforms to the concourse level and street level, and a second exit at the northwest corner of Woodbine Avenue and Strathmore Boulevard. Construction is set to begin in 2014 and is scheduled for completion in 2017.

The Board approved the following motion by Commissioner Josh Colle: The TTC request that the provincial and federal governments consider providing financial support and/or incentives for TTC Metropass purchases by seniors and Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works Program recipients. The motion was in response to a request for the TTC to consider further fare discounts beyond what already exists. The TTC policy on concession fares is that new or reduced concession fares will only be considered if arrangements are made to subsidize the TTC for associated revenue losses.

Board Members received an update on a request made last meeting with respect to integrating TTC and GO fares at selected GO stations. Metrolinx is currently undertaking a region-wide study of fare and service integration and that includes participation from TTC and other area transit agencies. Metrolinx is expected to report its findings next fall. The potential for pilot projects at individual stations will be considered within the context of this Metrolinx review.