Mayor Rob Ford's statement on the firing of Gary Webster
Mayor Rob Ford released the following statement on Tuesday evening
regarding the decision made by the transit commission to fire TTC chief
general manager Gary Webster.
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Statement from Mayor Rob Ford:
I support the Commission's decision on the departure of Mr. Webster.
Gary has served Toronto and the TTC well in his years of service. He
was an important element in the organization's many successes to date
and can proudly point to a list of accomplishments.
But, it's time for the organization to look forward. The Commissioners
tell me this. Councillors tell me this. The general public - and
subway, streetcar and bus passengers all tell me it's time for change.
The TTC was once recognized worldwide as an example of public transit
excellence. It's time for the TTC to modernize, to review its mission
and mandate, to revisit its structure and move forward with a vision
that will serve Toronto to the end of this century and sets an example
for the world to follow.
It's time for the TTC to focus on operational excellence and to become,
once again, a world leader that connects people with their jobs, homes,
families and recreation - rapidly, affordably, conveniently,
comfortably, reliably and safely. As it achieves this aim, customer
satisfaction and cost-efficiency will grow rapidly.
It's time for the TTC to become so good at what it does, that customers
choose to spend their money on transit rather than drive their cars.
The timing is right for major change at the TTC. We are beginning the
process of renewing the structure of the Commission by introducing
skills-based board members to augment the politicians directing the
organization. The TTC is entering a period of significant capital
growth. A major reassessment of customer service needs has begun.
The time is right for a new leader to take the reins at TTC and lead the organization through this period of major change.