The Vancouver-Toronto “transit war” turns out to be anything but
It’s probably all the recent hype over TTC operators sleeping, skipping out for coffee and drinking mid-shift that had us hopeful for some kind of drama in the Globe’s recent comparison of the TTC and Vancouver’s TransLink. Sadly, the reporters play this one straight as they try to irk transit operators in both cities by skimping out on fares, playing dumb, dragging pets onto vehicles and toting wailing children. Apparently, the purposely problematic reporters encountered nothing but sunshine and rainbows.
Fellow passengers were all courtesy, petting one reporter’s dog (even though non–assistance animals are supposed to be caged while on TransLink) and being “really friendly” in accommodating the other reporter’s kid in a stroller. Are Vancouver transit operators too lenient with fare evasion? Does the TTC have a problem with tardiness? None of it seems to matter. Perhaps spring fever has people feeling good, but from our point of view, the Globe couldn’t have picked a more banal day to hang out on transit.
• Transit wars: Vancouver good, Toronto bad? Not quite [Globe and Mail]
Having lived extensively in both cities, I think the Globe missed an opportunity here.
Fare evasion is supposedly higher in Vancouver, yes, but I’ve actually seen bus drivers here in Vancouver try and enforce payment. On the trains, the cops are regularly checking passes and giving out tickets.
I also have to give Translink drivers points for being as punctual as a German train. They’re polite and helpful too.
My experience with the TTC… not so much. Many drivers are quite nice, but toll booth operators (who start at $58 k + benefits) should be replaced with machines and CCTV.
If you try and show them your transfer, most of them are too lazy to turn their heads. Others look at you indignantly. Low TTC morale makes for low transit rider morale, which makes for more fare evasion.
Translink has developed a corporate culture that encourages employees to be nice and do their job. Or maybe it’s their privately owned service providers.
Privatize the TTC and Start with toll booths!