A familiar story

Judy Bennett's letter in today's Toronto Star:

Toronto Star Letters - September 16th 2006


has an all too familiar ring - one of customer unfriendly policies, and disgruntled customer-facing employees.

This is only a matter of a few blocks but the TTC obviously doesn't address the needs of its customers. I have a limited income and the cost of two fares to arrive at Islington station is more than I can afford. Had the employee been at least a little considerate of my predicament, the whole process could have been a lot less antagonistic.

What's incredibly galling about this picture is that the rider - as are many - have smaller incomes than the employees. TTC staff enjoy incomes well above the median family income.

TTC unionized employees are whining about not having the health tax covered by the employer (i.e. the taxpayers) - whereas most riders have had to pay this on theor own smaller incomes.

Asks Ms. Bennett in concluding:

It is time for a change. Is anyone listening out there?

Well, in our experience, riders are far down the totem pole of TTC stakeholder. The pecking order is as follows:

1. Howard Moscoe's ego
2. The Amalgamated Transit Union
3. Transit narcisists such as Steve Munroe, James Bow and Gordon Perks
4. Bombardier

After that, riders might get some consideration - but not much.