TTC Chair Jamaal Myers says the transit agency’s service was ‘strong’ the night of Game 7 of the World Series, but acknowledged communication could have been im
TTC Chair Jamal Myers is responding to criticism of the TTC’s service levels following Game 7 of the World Series, telling reporters that there was a plan to run later trains if necessary but that communication was poor.
Speaking with reporters at Toronto City Hall ahead of a TTC Board meeting Monday, he said he was unaware of any customers left stranded by the TTC that night.
“Overall, the TTC service that night was strong with minimal disruptions. Unfortunately, that night, a TTC communication suggesting that subway service would end at 1:30 a.m. was posted to the TTC social media, which was amplified by the city’s social media, leading to confusion to our customers,” Myers said. “The TTC deeply apologizes for this mistake.”
In a post on X about 10 minutes before the game ended in the 11th inning Saturday, the City of Toronto told fans transit “won’t wait,” despite the historic World Series final game running late.
The post garnered plenty of backlash, with many people saying the city should have been better prepared to deal with a busy night in the city for Game 7 of the World Series.
Myers said Monday that the city did have a contingency plan for running late service, but they didn’t activate it because the game didn’t finish late enough.
The game ended around 12:20 a.m. and the TTC told customers the last train would leave around 1:30 a.m.
Myers said he will be moving a motion at today’s TTC Board meeting, supported by Mayor Chow and Coun. Josh Matlow, to “establish predictable late night transit service for major special events.”
Metrolinx also received lots of backlash for not extending GO and UP Express service, with customers saying they faced overcrowded platforms and a lack of service when trying to get home.
The regional transit agency said it was unable to run trains late because of track ownership issues.
Myers acknowledged that the city could have worked better with Metrolinx to make sure people had a way to get home, as they do for events like Nuit Blanche and New Year’s Eve.
“We do know how to work collaboratively. Unfortunately, that did not happen with this event,” he said.
Did you have trouble getting home on transit after the World Series finale Saturday night. If so, what other arrangements did you make? Did you find service levels adequate or were you surprised to discover limited options? If so, we want to hear from you.
Email us at torontonews@bellmedia.ca with your name, general location and phone number in case we want to follow up. Your comments may be used in a CP24 or CTV News story.