Board Meeting - October 23, 2013

K. Stintz (Chair), M. Adamson (Vice-Chair), M. Augimeri, R. Cho, J. Colle, N. Di Donato, 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), K. Lee (Head of Commission Services) and D. McDonald (Co-ordinator – Corporate Secretariat Services) were present.

K. Stintz was in the Chair.

Nil

Commissioner Colle moved that the Board approve the minutes from Meeting No. 1962 and that the Chair and Chief Financial & Administration Officer be authorized to sign the same.

The motion by Commissioner Colle carried.

a) Scarborough Subway Options (Page 11)

Chair Stintz advised that the action set out on Page 11 of the September 25, 2013 Minutes calling for a joint meeting of the TTC and Metrolinx Boards is no longer required. This is in light of the information set out in the October 1, 2013 letter from the Metrolinx Board to the City Manager and TTC Chief Executive Officer (See Correspondence Item C-5), and in consideration of the subsequent decision of City Council at its meeting of October 8 – 11, 2013.

The Board endorsed the foregoing.

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) – 1:10 p.m.

Committee Room 2, City Hall

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

Brian Boehlert
Alan Yule

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

NIL

Nil

Nil

Nil

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

a) Commuter Parking

The Board:

1. Received the confidential information; and
2. Noted that the information remains confidential as it contains information about a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes and advice and communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege.

b) Procurement Authorization – Woodbine Station – Easier Access and Second Exit – Contract DC9-4
The Board deferred this item.

c) Large Litigation Matters

The Board:

1. Received the confidential information as set out in Confidential Attachment 1;

2. Noted that the confidential information as set out in the Confidential Attachment 1 remains confidential in its entirety as it contains advice which is subject to solicitor-client privilege; and

3. Received this report for information.
Prior to commencing with the Presentations portion of the agenda, Chair Stintz read a number of commendation letters from TTC customers. The first letter refers to a marked improvement in station and subway train cleanliness. The following letter commends a bus operator who was extremely helpful and patient in assisting a passenger with a full leg cast on and off the bus with his groceries. The third letter speaks very highly of the efficient, helpful and courteous service provided by TTC staff during the downtown subway maintenance closures. The next letter commends front line service employees who were extremely helpful in providing directions and information to ensure their party arrived at their destination. The final letter describes an excellent response by TTC employees to ensure this customer made it to the airport in time for an early morning flight.
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) New Wayfinding Standards

C. Upfold, Acting Chief Service Officer delivered a PowerPoint presentation on this item.
The Board received the presentation for information and noted its support for the proposed changes to system wayfinding and signage.

b) TTC ACAT Member Sam Savona Receives Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship Award
The Board congratulated Sam Savona and presented him with a framed picture for being awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship which was presented to him on Thursday, October 17, 2013 by Ontario Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable David Onley.

3. Budget Matters

a) Chief Executive Officer’s Report – October 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 deferred this item.

4. Procurement Authorizations

NIL

5. Procurement Authorization Amendments

NIL

6. Notice of Awards

NIL

7. Service Matters

NIL

8. Other Business

a) APTA Rail Safety Audit and Management Corrective Action Plan

It is recommended that the Board receive the attached audit report for information and forward copies to the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, the Clerk of the City of Toronto and the Ontario Minister of Transportation.

Approved

b) Yorkdale Parking – Amending Agreement

It is recommended that the Board:
1. Endorse the proposed amendments set out in this report; and
2. Forward this report to the City Manager requesting the amendments outlined in this report be included in the Yorkdale parking lease amending agreement.

Approved

c) Outstanding Board Items

It is recommended that the Board receive for information the updated list of outstanding Board items for the period up to and including the meeting of September 25, 2013.

Received

9. New Business

a) Putting the Customer First

Submitted by Chair Stintz:

(Chair Stintz also submitted a letter from Metrolinx to accompany this item).

To enhance customer service and to maximize investment of taxpayer dollars and existing GO transit infrastructure, TTC staff engage appropriate staff at Metrolinx about implementing a pilot project to integrate GO and TTC fares through Presto card technology at Bloor GO Station and the Exhibition GO Station. TTC staff are to report back with an update at the November Commission meeting.

Approved

b) Time-Based Transfers along Eglinton Avenue

Submitted by Commissioner Colle:
It is recommended that the Board:

1. Direct staff to report back on the feasibility of implementing a time-based transfer program along the stretches of Eglinton Avenue that are impacted by Eglinton Crosstown station construction.

2. Direct staff to initiate discussions with Metrolinx regarding funding support for a time-based transfer program on Eglinton Avenue.

Background

The construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which will consist of three phases, will cause significant disruption for local residents as well as businesses along Eglinton Avenue over an extended period of time. Negative impacts include reducing stretches of Eglinton Avenue to a single lane of vehicular traffic, restricting access and turns onto neighbouring residential streets, removing on street parking, slowing down bus service by removing the High Occupancy Vehicle lane, restricting access to local shops and retailers, and the creation of noise and dust from construction sites.

The St. Clair Pilot Program, which allows customers to travel for up to two hours on the 512 St. Clair Route, was introduced because the construction of the right-of-way took longer than expected and hurt local businesses. This time-based transfer was implemented in order to encourage transit users to shop at the various destinations along St. Clair Avenue where the TTC recognized it had a responsibility and commitment to the local community to minimize impact during these necessary infrastructure upgrades.

While the onus is on the City of Toronto and Metrolinx to address the issue of any negative impacts on businesses during construction of the Eglinton Crosstown, the TTC is still responsible for operating and maintaining bus service on Eglinton Avenue throughout the duration of construction. Given its commitment to reliable, safe, and accessible service and to providing support on the ground for transit riders, TTC Staff should explore the possibility of introducing a time-based transfer along Eglinton Avenue in order to help mitigate the adverse effects of the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown.

An analysis of implementing a time based transfer system should also recognize the mandate and financial constraints of the TTC and include initiating a discussion with Metrolinx about off-setting any financial impacts of the initiative.

Approved

c) Curb Cut for Northbound Bicycles on Poplar Plains at the St. Clair Right-of-Way

Submitted by Chair Stintz:

That the TTC report back on the feasibility of providing a curb cut for bicycles travelling north on Poplar Plains and crossing the St. Clair right-of-way to continue their journey north.

Approved

10. Correspondence

C1 – Angela Marley, ACAT Chair forwarding the approved minutes of ACAT’s August 29, 2013 General Monthly meeting.
The Board received the communication for information.

C2 – Angela Marley, ACAT Chair requesting deferral to the November meeting of Item 3(b) – TTC Fare Policy – Requests for Fare Discounts to allow time for ACAT to review the item and prepare comments.

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

C3 – Sam Savona requesting deferral to the November meeting of Item 3(b) – TTC Fare Policy – Requests for Fare Discounts.

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

C4 – Sharon Yetman requesting an opportunity to depute at the November Board Meeting regarding the Downtown Relief Line.

The Board referred the communication to staff for appropriate action.

C5 – Bruce McCuaig, President & Chief Executive Officer, Metrolinx regarding the Province, City of Toronto and TTC Master Agreement.

The Board received the communication for information.
(See also Business Arising out of Minutes).

C6 – Hamish Wilson encouraging the TTC to support the Bloor-Dupont Bikeway Environmental Assessment Study.

The Board received the communication for information.

Prior to the next correspondence item Chair Stintz moved that the Board waive Sections 36 and 13 of the Procedures By-law to allow for late acceptance of a correspondence item and an accompanying deputation from Councillor A. Perruzza.

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

C7 – Councillor Anthony Perruzza regarding the York University Subway Station construction project.

The Board referred the communication to staff noting that the TTC will be writing to York University, and the school newspaper Excalibur, to provide a status update on the construction project.

Prior to the next correspondence item Chair Stintz moved that the Board waive Section 36 of the Procedures By-law to allow for late acceptance of a correspondence item received from Bell Mobility.

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

C8 – Simon Dwyer, Director, Government Affairs, BCE and Bell Media regarding the status of talks with Broadcast Australia.

The Board referred the communication to the Chief Executive Officer to convene a meeting with Bell, Rogers, Telus and Broadcast Australia and to report back on progress to the next Board meeting.

11. Yorkdale Fatality of September 14, 2012 – Final Investigation Report

John O’Grady, Head of Safety and Environment, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on this item.

The Board received the presentation and report for information.

The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

The Board approved the following request presented by TTC Chair Karen Stintz: To enhance customer service and to maximize investment of taxpayer dollars and existing GO Transit infrastructure, TTC staff engage appropriate staff at Metrolinx about implementing a pilot project to integrate GO and TTC fares through Presto card technology at Bloor GO Station and the Exhibition GO Station. TTC staff are to report back with an update at the November Commission meeting.

On behalf of the TTC Board and all TTC employees, Chair Karen Stintz publicly congratulated Sam Savona, member of the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit on receiving the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. It’s one of the highest honours presented to citizens by the Province. Savona had recently accepted the medal at Queen’s Park from Lieutenant Governor David Onley.

Board Members received a presentation and report from TTC Head of Safety and Environment John O’Grady on last year’s maintenance employee fatality at track level, near Yorkdale Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line. The Yorkdale Fatality Investigation Report outlines the causal factors and numerous recommendations and corrective actions (some of which have already been implemented) to prevent such an incident from occurring again. On Sept. 14, 2012, Road Master Peter Pavlovski lost his life on the job. He was 49.

The Board received a presentation from Acting Chief Service Officer Chris Upfold on a pilot being conducted at Bloor-Yonge and St George interchange stations to improve wayfinding signage and standards. The new standards being proposed are designed to bring a simple, non-fussy and accessible-to-all approach to information customers see and use in TTC stations, printed materials, maps and online. Key elements of the pilot include the introduction of subway route numbering, simplified signage and redesigned maps that allow riders to make self-navigation decisions quicker and with more clarity. The classic TTC subway font type will be expanded to station entrances, fare booths and track-level signs.