I’d do anything, just to hold you in my arms… - Coping with the TTC Strike: Part 4 (and conclusion?)
continued from part 3 of “Coping with the TTC Strike”:
GO, Dalton McGuinty!
After an intense debate for half-an-hour on a rare Sunday afternoon session at Queen’s Park, the provincial government has passed a piece of legislation that made the TTC strike illegal. All MPPs (Members of Provincial Parliament) were dispatched to Queen’s Park on a historic moment. The new legislation, known as the “Toronto Public Transit Service Resumption Act” has received royal assent and tonight, all TTC operators are ordered back to work as early as tonight. This is from the TTC’s website:
“With the passage of back-to-work legislation today at Queen’s Park, the Toronto Transit Commission is pleased to announce that service will resume later on Sunday April 27, with full rush-hour service running Monday morning, April 28.
The TTC has contacted all of its employees. Those who were scheduled for a shift this afternoon are being asked to report to work. It will take the TTC approximately three to four hours to bring the service up to safe, normal operating standards. The TTC has every faith that the women and men who move this city will do so with professionalism.
Some customers may experience delays early in the process of restoring service. The TTC acknowledges the frustration and inconvenience everyone has faced since Friday evening, and is working hard to restore service as quickly as possible. The TTC also requests the public to please remember that TTC employees have a right to be treated with dignity. The TTC’s chief concern is safety – both for its customers and its workers.”
This is what Premier Dalton Mcguinty quote:
“I ask that upon restoration of TTC services, users extend their usual courtesy to workers there for the invaluable they provide, Courtesy and goodwill are the foundations upon which we should all seek to build.”
Provincial labour minister Brad Duguid has his say about the lifeblood and the “Heart” of the TTC:
“We encourage the TTC and its unions to continue bargaining and to reach mutually acceptable agreements, At the same time, we cannot stand by while the dispute shuts down the vital transportation system in Toronto, affecting millions of people and businesses.”
Riders in the big city can breathe a big sigh of relief as the strike is almost fading away. If you are visiting or living in Toronto and realize that the strike is going on for long, but right now the riders have to worry about is - their patience. So i’m asking you this, “where were you and what you (or your friends) were doing before the transit strike hits Toronto?”
To finish this blog off, I’m leaving you two music video sby Simple Plan and their song is called “Your Love is a Lie”. I also include “I’d do anything”. Dalton McGuinty will do anything to resolve the situation….Enjoy the music videos to cure your post-strike symptoms:
Simple Plan - “Your Love is a Lie”:
Simple Plan - “I’d do anything”:
References:
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5isXAGF69R6qQ3YYVdEkA3j8c-R2w
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/27/c9968.html
Red Bull gives you wiings! - Coping with the TTC Strike: Part 2
Continuation from Part 1 of “Coping with the TTC Strike”:
Today, I was out and about in Downtown Toronto today and many passengers were trying to cope with the TTC Strike that all took them by surprise last night. Many passengers are still frustrated about the news and they were given notice that was too late. When I was in Toronto today, I saw some TTC property that has some vandalism on it. One of them says, “Want $30/hr? Go to university.”, the other says, “The Strike Sux!”
I went to chat with Lillian at Neon today and I told her about the strike. She told me that the strike doesn’t affect her as she utilizes the underground PATH network and the GO Train since she only lives a stop east from Union or two. Speaking of the underground PATH network, when I walked from Union and tried to access the Eaton Centre from The Bay, the access leading to Eaton Centre was block, since it straddles along one of the entrances of the TTC property, so therefore, I have to walk up one level to the street level and cross the street to enter the mall. Many tourists were visiting the city too, some of them were unaware of the TTC strike. They were trying to get their way through the city and they have to force to get a taxi, which translates into a greater expense!
During my return trek to Union Station, I managed to catch two unidentified men who were standing over the yellow barricade and I managed to socialize a little bit to them. I also told them that they should get their “Taste of Ink” (The Used reference!). They don’t understand on what I said, but that’s not important…..lol I also mention them about the strike that I have to cope with the Durham Region Transit strike back in 2006. It was brutal. I also managed to chat with one of the GO Transit Provincial Constables (technically Provincial Offences Officers) and I told them about they are well aware of the strike and told me that the service will run as usual, but will not provide the extra tools they need for the commuters. The only good thing that there were events being held in the city. There was the Raptors game at the Air Canada Centre and there was a game by the Toronto FC at BMO field! Another thing is that there was a double decker bus that was provided to ferry Toronto FC goers from the BMO Field to an unidentified place within the downtown core!!! How cool was that?
Meanwhile, Mayor David Miller is working with Ontario Premier Dalton McGunity on drafting some back-to-work legislation and hopefully if all comes as planned (providing that Royal Assent is given), the red rocket might be rolling back as early as Monday. But be warned, there will be no guarantees if the plan gets through.
Both the Premier and the opposition leaders (John Tory and Howard Hampton) have their own view. Here’s one view from John Tory:
The decision taken by the Amalgamated Transit Union to go on strike without notice is outrageous. It jeopardizes public safety and is irresponsible at best. This insensitive action had the effect of stranding thousands of people across the city for no valid reason.
We would urge Premier Dalton McGuinty to reconvene the Legislature at the earliest possible time Saturday or Sunday to get this process underway. We would assume proper planning means a Bill has already been drafted and could be shared with all parties first thing Saturday to assist in expediting this process.”
Howard Hampton also mentioned that this piece of legislation was used to settle the 2002 CUPE strike. If the new bill was not followed, further sanctions will be followed. Maximum fines is about $2,000CDN per individual or $25,000CDN for a union or employer.
Back to work legistation will be introduced at 1:30p.m. (Eastern Time) at Queen’s Park. I’ll be watching it closely as it becomes available. Until then, let’s hope that if all comes through. Another note, talks between the union and the TTC have broken off and no word when talks will resume, but back-to-work legislation will be introduced tomorrow. The media from all parts of the world also did some extensive coverage too! I leave you with some videos and my favourite music video, “The Taste of Ink” by The Used:
confused commuters:
Press conference by David Miller & Adam Giambrone:
This video is from the Philippines, but it covers the TTC Strike:
“Taste of Ink” by the Used:
References:
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22082.aspx
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418782
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418772
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/27/content_8058045.htm
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22080.aspx
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22081.aspx
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22084.aspx
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22079.aspx
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418862
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/04/26/166258.aspx
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5isXAGF69R6qQ3YYVdEkA3j8c-R2w
Coping with the TTC Strike
It all came with a big bang for many passengers who rely on the TTC almost everyday, but today their opportunity has been missed as the TTC members of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 113 has rejected the new deal provided by the TTC. An overwhelmingly 65% of the members have forcibly rejected the new deal. That new deal would have provided pay increases for three per cent every year.
Shortly after the news broke out, many passengers are trying to get their way home in the wake of strike - even many tourists who are visiting the city didn’t realized what was all the commotion - until they finally realized that the strike was taking place. Mayor David Miller and TTC Chairman Adam Giambrone has dubbed the TTC strike as “Unacceptable and irresponsible”. This is what he said in a press conference:
“On behalf of city council and the people of Toronto I want to express my extreme disappointment at the result of today’s ratification vote by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 and the ensuing notification by the union that they are going to undertake strike action effective midnight tonight. This strike action is unacceptable and unnecessary.”
“The agreement negotiated between the Toronto Transit Commission and its employees was fair and reasonable. It gave the workers a fair wage increase of 3 per cent a year in each of three years and negotiated certain benefit and other improvements that were fair to the workers and responsible with public funds.
“Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 promised the people of Toronto 48 hours’ notice of any strike action,” Miller said. “I spoke to Mr. Kinnear earlier this evening and asked on behalf of Torontonians and TTC riders that he honour this commitment. He refused. This is unacceptable and irresponsible.”
There’s some word that Miller might send an SOS message to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty on enacting back-to-work legislation as soon as possible. Fortunately, the premier has agreed and a provincial mediator is going to work out with the union and the TTC and above all the mayor.
As you are waking up reading this blog posting this morning, get used to the TTC strike while it last. The only real test is going to be on Monday when all systems are severely constrained. The city has implemented a contingency plan on the TTC. The plan can be founded here. You also have alternatives as well, but be warned: these might have some ups and downs. It can be viewed here.
To finish this blog off, I’m leaving you a music video by a band called Social Code. The music video is called “The Shortest Line”. It seems that the union members have reached this line when voted on the new deal.
Social Code - “The Shortest Line”:
Sources:
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22076.aspx
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418768
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418710
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418711
http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=f12b5f65-7268-4899-a18b-1150f3138acf&k=83820
Calgary’s Race City speedway closing down, New GO double-deckers are hiting the roads this monday
Well guys, I’m finally back after my week-long absence because I have to write exams. I’m finally glad that my college life has wrapped up for another semester and for the summer - but I might be called in sometime in the coming weeks because I have to take one course - it’s not going to be all summer long - only until July at least. Anyways, onward to my blog posting:
I stumbled upon a few articles about a popular sporting track in Calgary known as the “Race City speedway” which is slated to be closed next year in 2009. The operator had leased the land from the city almost 20 or 30 years ago and had promised a long-term lease until 2025. Management however, have decided to pull the plug and the lease won’t be renewed beyond 2010.
Race City Speedway was very popular for automotive racers and even tourists too. It was also the place where the Vans Warped Tour concert festival was held every summer, which by now many concert goers are concerning what will the future of the Warped Tour will bring for many Calgarians. Many are scrambling should there be a new venue to keep the “lifeblood” of punk rock going for Calgary. Kevin Lyman was not aware about the decision that management is planning to close down Race City. Many workers are quite sad about the management’s decision. They believe that the city should make out a fair deal to keep the place open.
Further up in Edmonton, many Edmontonians are demanding Kevin Lyman to “revive” the plan on having the Warped Tour being held in Edmonton. In contrast, a new Warped Tour stop has been added for Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. That date is going to be held on August 5th, 2008. Many people are quite concerned about the uncertain economic future for the Warped Tour in Alberta, whatever you call it, you should voice your opinion.
Anyways, let’s move further out to the east and GO with GO’s new double decker buses. I’ve told you last month about GO transit’s new double decker buses. They are about to hit the road starting Monday, April 28th, 2008. However, they are will be used in the 407 West corridor between Oakville and York University. These buses cannot be operated on all routes due to the height restrictions in bridges.
It’ll be at least a year until I see this new double decker bus in this light of day, oh well. It’s worth the wait!
References:
The Calgary Sun, “Race City facing a move” - January 14th, 2008
CTV Calgary, “Race City looking for a new home” - January 14th, 2008
The Calgary Herald, “City to help relocate speedway” - January 15th, 2008
Calgary Sportscar Club, “Race City to close in 2010″
http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/Product.asp?ProductID=2056&offset=0
http://newsdurhamregion.com/news/breaking_news/article/96243
Picture of the Casualties performing at the 2006 Warped Tour in Calgary is courtesy of R4NT magazine.
THIS JUST IN: NO TTC STRIKE!
Well after against all odds, ordered some pizza and some hardcore talks between the TTC and their union (ATU local 113), it seems that there won’t be a strike - after all. For some, they are very excited that everything went out smoothly. The union members, along with the transit commission representatives and with help of a provincial mediator hammered out a deal that will most suit the union members.
Bob Kinnear, the head representative of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 talks to the media at a press conference being held at the Sheraton Hotel. This is what he has to say:
“What we will be doing in the coming days is bringing forth this tentative deal to our membership and then a ratification vote, I think that this is an agreement that all parties can live with and therefore our executive board will be recommending ratification of this agreement…I appreciate the patience of all Torontonians, strike action was action that we did not want to take……..We made some major inroads in improving our benefit package; we made major inroads at closing the gap with other city workers and other transit agencies.”
David Miller, the mayor for the City of Toronto also stepped in to talk peacefully. The premier of Ontario also is considering the TTC as a “essential service”. I would like to see part or all of the TTC being controlled by the province or maybe a private operator.
It could have been a lot worse to some, should the strike go ahead. Also, if you are a student who is attending a post-secondary institution and in the midst of writing exams, you can take a breather. It seems that you can now focus more on your exams and less time worrying about a strike. Load up with a few cans of your favourite energy drinks and study away. Good luck on your exams.
Anyways, I’ll be taking a break from writing this week as I focus on my exams. Blog postings will resume on Friday at the earliest.
References:
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_21892.aspx
http://www.eontarionow.com/provincial/2008/04/20/breakting-no-ttc-strike/
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g1SKnRsP-E9HVfgKA2lhZt6exN5Q
http://www.thestar.com/GTA/Transportation/article/416457
http://ca.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idCAN2038455120080420
TTC Strike - Part 2
Here’s my follow up about the possible TTC Strike.
Global News has arranged a “Free Ride Bus” for stranded passengers getting their way to their destination (only if the bus is equipped with a GPS system). Keep on a lookout for that bus in the Downtown Core.
Carpooling options: many third party providers are offering some carpooling services. The providers are listed as follows:
Cycling is also an option to commute around the City. Many reserved (HOV) lanes around major thorough fares are all open for cars with three or more persons. Reserved lanes around the Highway 403 and 404 corridor are all open for cars with two or more persons. If you are caught using the lanes as a solo driver, the OPP will definitely stop you and issue you a $110CDN ticket and three demerit points on your license.
Many neighbouring transit commissions and GO transit have posted their own contingency plans regarding the strike. Details can be founded on my last blog posting. Right now as I speak, the 4:00p.m. (Eastern Time) deadline has passed. I’ll keep you guys posted for further details (but with my exams starting tomorrow, I’ll try my best to keep plugged in).
Many media outlets (such as the CBC, Global TV, CityTV, CP24, CHFI 98.1FM, Mix 99.9FM, 92.5 JACK FM, Newstalk 1010 CFRB, 680 News, CBC Radio One 99.1FM and many others) are going to be on the air as early as 5a.m. tomorrow morning. Hold on to your breath, guys. It’s going to be a bumpy ride. As the note mentioned on Marianas Trench’s music video, “Decided to Break It”:
“Failure is not an option. It’s inevitable.”
Enjoy the music video below.
Marianas Trench - “Decided to break it”:
riders brace for impact as the TTC strike looms near
As many riders are scrambling to find alternative ways in the event of the possible TTC strike this Monday, the City of Toronto has implemented a traffic contingency plan. Most streets will be prohibited to some taxis and cars with three or more people and reserved HOV lanes will be made available for cars with 3 or more people. In contrast with Toronto’s HOV network, HOV lanes along the Highway 403 and 404 corridor will be used frequently with buses (whether if they are any passengers or not) and cars with 2 or more people. Solo drivers be warned - the OPP is strictly enforcing these lanes and if you are caught using these lines you will likely to get a fine of $110CDN and 3 demerit points in your driving licence.
In other TTC-related news, Dalton McGunity the premier of Ontario wanted to make the TTC an essential service. This is what he said in a press conference:
“If there was some kind of approach made during the course of the next three years by the city of Toronto, representatives of the city of Toronto saying we have decided ourselves that it would be a good thing for us to have our public transit system declared essential, that is something that we at Queen’s Park would have to consider,”
The majority of transit riders who used the TTC are post-secondary students because they have exams in the coming days. Colleges and universities (notably York University) have posted up notices to inform students about the ongoing situation. For more information, you can view these respective links:
http://www.yorku.ca/transportation/
Centennial College has mentioned the situation too. Here’s the information:
In the event of a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) strike on Monday morning, Centennial College students should make every effort to arrive on campus on time. All classes and exams will continue as scheduled.
Students who rely on the TTC should work together to arrange alternative transportation. The college has set up a voluntary carpooling service where you can register as a driver or passenger at http://rideconnect.centennialcollege.ca/.
Strike updates and related information will be posted on the main college website and Student Association site (http://www.ccsai.ca/). Please note many of our college support services are available by phone at 416-289-5000.
Progress Campus and HP Centre are served by GO Transit buses. Check the http://www.gotransit.com website for routes and schedules. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Other transit commissions in the 905 have posted their contingency plans. Durham Region Transit has one statement about the situation:
Route 9 Rouge Hill Shuttle - Service to the Rouge Hill GO Station via Route 9 Rouge Hill Shuttle will continue to operate in the event of a TTC strike. It may be necessary to provide boarding and de-boarding for our customers on-street, rather than enter the Rouge Hill bus loop during any strike action.
As for York Region Transit/VIVA, this is their own perspective:
The TTC’s employee unions (ATU Local 113 and CUPE Local 2) will be in a legal strike position as early as Monday, April 21, 2008. In the event of a strike, the 14 contracted TTC route that operate in York Region will not be in service.
For more information, you can view the dirt right here: http://www.yrt.ca/news/index.asp
GO Transit, Mississauga Transit and Brampton Transit (although yet to create such a plan) have their own contingency plans. As ongoing negotiations are coming, riders will have to suffer the consequences.
To finish this blog off, I’m leaving you a lyric from Aselin Debison. Her song is called “Life”:
I’m learning that I can say goodbye
I’m learning that I can be strong inside
I’m ready, I’m ready to get it right
I’m learning about…Life
Coincidently, I found her music video. It can be viewed for your own pleasure:
Aselin Debison - “Life”:
References:
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_21869.aspx
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_21828.aspx
Toronto’s Contingency plan for the TTC Strike
How to get around if the TTC goes on strike
http://680news.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20080418_141621_4460
Time is ticking for the TTC
After much speculation on the TTC Strike, it seems that the union is going to make a big announcement tomorrow about the strike. So far negotiations have been very slow between the ATU local 113 union and the Transit Commission. The union assures all riders that they will be given at least 48 hours notice for the official strike. If it does happens, many commuters are trying to find ways on how to get to work, school or play. To add further insult to injury, GO Transit and many other transit authorities surrounding the TTC territory are making some contingency plans if the TTC strike should happen.
It wouldn’t be some time when Transit Editor Ed Drass (the guy who does his articles on the Free Daily called “Metro” - the Toronto edition) posted his views on the strike and has made an honourable mention of my blog.
On average, TTC employees made about $50,000CDN per year. Hopefully, we can learn about the Durham Region Transit strike back in 2006. Virtually all transit service within Durham is halted with the exception of the Whitby (Centre) division and GO Train/Bus services in the area. During the course of the strike, many commuters utilize the GO bus to/from work, school or shopping. The strike lasted for 3 to 4 weeks. At that point, no GO buses couldn’t enter the picket lines at GO stations and the bus terminals! I will vaguely remember this for many years to come.
To finish off this blog, I’m leaving a music video by Simple Plan. Their music video is called “Your Love is A Lie”.
Simple Plan - “Your Love is a Lie”:
References:
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/412794
http://www.thestar.com/GTA/Columnist/article/409005
http://680news.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20080409_103330_4724
GO Transit’s new hardcore double decker bus (with a weird surprise)
Well, folks the wait is finally over. GO Transit’s double-decker bus has finally arrived on Canadian roads! After spending millions and millions of dollars for GO Transit on expanding their service, they finally get their treat: 12 new vehicles built by a Scottish-based company called Alexander Dennis has made their grand debut on Canadian roads. The new bus was showcased at GO Transit’s maintenance facility in Toronto. Premier Dalton McGuinity, minister of Transportation Jim Bradley and many representatives were on hand to showcase and unveil the bus’ display.
Here are some quick facts about the new bus (source www.gotransit.com):
Double decker bus quick facts
- The double decker buses are manufactured by Alexander Dennis Limited, a UK-based company. There are no North American manufacturers of double decker buses.
- The buses’ dimensions are:
-
- Length: 43 feet (13 metres)
- Width: 8.3 feet (2.5 metres)
- Height: 14 feet (4.3 metres)
-
- GO Transit’s standard 45-foot (13.7-metre) highway commuter bus seats 57 passengers; the double decker bus can carry 78 passengers – an increase of 21 riders or 37 per cent.
- To prepare for the introduction of double decker buses, GO worked with the Ministry of Transportation, all road and fire departments from the regional and local governments along the proposed routes, representatives from 407 ETR, and the Ontario Provincial Police.
- Selected routes for the double deckers have been thoroughly studied to ensure height clearance
- To prepare for the introduction of double decker buses, GO worked with the Ministry of Transportation, all road and fire departments from the regional and local governments along the proposed routes, representatives from 407 ETR, and the Ontario Provincial Police.
The people at GO Transit has to handle these buses with great care. I don’t want a situation to happen, as does this video shows:
As the old saying goes, expect the unexpected. When the vessel that were shipping the buses made a stop in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at least four stowaways were on board hidden on the double decker buses that were destined for Toronto. They are currently in custody pending hearing. A statement has been released by Alexander Dennis He quote, “It would be virtually impossible for stowaways to get on its buses before they went aboard the ship, because there are security checks done during the drive from the factory and before the bus enters the port area. Our drivers take the vehicle right onto the ship and before they leave them they do a final delivery inspection. They go through every aspect of the bus, from A to Z….”
It seems that the stowaways have a “big mess in their hands”. To finish off this blog, I’m leaving you a music video from a band called “The Academy Is…”. Their music video is called “We’ve Got a big mess on our hands”. I went to their concert back in May last year (they were one of the supporting acts for last year’s Honda Civic Tour that featured headliners Fall Out Boy, (+44), Cobra Startship and DJ Paul Wall. To view my review on this, please go here) Enjoy the music video.
The Academy Is…. - We’ve got a big mess on our hands:
References:
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_20826.aspx
http://www.gotransit.com/public/event/Double_Deck_Bus/doubledeckerevent.htm
http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/Product.asp?ProductID=2057
GO rider to present her case to the board
Well, it’s the end of the long journey as we know it - well almost. After securing nearly 10,000+ petitions, Patricia Eales, the frustrated GO rider who spearheading the petition demanding that GO Transit should get partial refunds, an improved customer notification system and providing extra trains to different routes - is not impressed on the decision that GO has to make - raising fares starting this Saturday. In an interview, Eales state that: “People no longer have any confidence in the so-called GO Train schedule. Trains are regularly late or it is no show GO. Enough is enough.”
According to figures that GO has recently released, there was a 12 per cent increase of trains running on time in January 2008, from the last increase of 77 per cent. However, Eales’ goal is to have trains run on time - 90 to 95 percent of the time. However, it depends on GO decision.
As for the rebate, it’s been nulled. If you people want to raise your voice, then please head over to this link: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/go_on_time/
To close off this blog, I’m leaving you a music video from my favourite band, The Used. It’s called, the “Taste of Ink”. That’s what you get when you sign that GO Transit petition.
The Used - “Taste of Ink” :
References:
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/346055
http://680news.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20080312_092421_7684
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_20581.aspx
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_20592.aspx
http://torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/03/14/5001011-sun.html
