TTC's Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit turns 30

The TTC is pleased to announce that its Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT), is celebrating 30 years of helping to make the city accessible to all.

“For 30 years ACAT has played a vital role in the important work we are doing to build a more accessible and inclusive transit system. I want to thank the volunteers who have given their time to help us create a TTC that works to serve all of our residents," said Mayor John Tory. "ACAT's advice and guidance have helped us move accessibility at the TTC forward and it is crucial that work continues so that we can ensure our transit system is accessible for everyone."

“On behalf of the TTC Board, I would like to congratulate ACAT on their 30th anniversary,” said TTC Chair Jaye Robinson. “ACAT provides critical support and guidance to the TTC as we continue working towards a barrier-free transit network. Together, we have made significant progress on key accessibility initiatives. I look forward to our continued work together to build a more accessible and inclusive system for all transit riders."

“We are pleased to have reached this 30-year milestone with the TTC, and we look forward to continuing to work towards a fully accessible transit system,” said ACAT Chair Jonathan Marriott. “This would not have been possible without the work of disability rights advocates, community members, and our riders, whose activism and dedication have greatly improved public transit.”

ACAT was established on May 19, 1992, to provide advice and recommendations on matters pertaining to accessible public transit in the City of Toronto. The committee is made up of volunteers who provide guidance on items such as accessibility features on vehicles and in stations, technology improvements, and training of TTC front-line staff.

Over the years, ACAT has provided guidance on a number of accessibility initiatives at the TTC, including ramps on buses and streetcars, wide-aisle fare gates at stations, priority seating on vehicles, and many others.

“At the TTC, we believe that everyone should have equal access to public transit,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “Over the past 30 years, ACAT has played a major role in helping the TTC work towards our goal of a transit system without barriers. We look forward to continuing to work together to make transit more accessible for the entire GTHA.”

May 19 also marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The TTC operates an accessible vehicle fleet and continues to find new ways to make the system more accessible to everyone. The TTC is also working to retrofit its subway stations to ensure a fully AODA compliant system by 2025, with new elevators, accessible doors and updated signage and wayfinding. Fifty-five TTC stations are accessible at present, with more improvements completed all the time.

Customers interested in learning more about ACAT or its milestone anniversary can visit www.ttc.ca/acat. Applications for 2023 ACAT membership, which are available online, by phone, or in person, will be accepted from May 19 to Sept. 12.