TTC riders get chance to air grievances about maligned transit customer service

TORONTO, Ont. – The union representing public transit workers in Toronto is giving the public a chance to air grievances about their experiences with the transit system.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 said they will hold three public consultations to improve customer service following a series of embarrassments.

Relations between TTC workers and passengers have soured in recent months and descended into a war of words through the media and social networking sites.

A photo showing an employee asleep in his subway ticket booth was widely posted online and a video then surfaced of a bus driver allegedly taking an unscheduled coffee break on his late-night route.

Police were alerted to erratic driving of a TTC bus earlier this month and the driver lost her licence for three days following a roadside breath test.

TTC general manager Gary Webster issued a stern warning to employees that he also made public, which angered some workers who threatened a work-to-rule campaign that ultimately never materialized.

There is a history of labour strife within the TTC. Workers were legislated back to work after a surprise weekend strike in April 2008, which followed another wildcat strike in May 2006.

Toronto residents have also long complained about service and frequent fare hikes — a monthly pass now costs $121.

The first meeting is April 11 at Downsview Secondary School, the second meeting is April 18 at Stephen Leacock Collegiate and the third meeting is May 2 at the Ryerson University library.

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