Gary Webster isn’t the first civil servant to be fired by scheming politicians, and he won’t be the last, but for Toronto what happened this week is much more significant than one individual. It speaks to the trend toward politicization of our civil servants, who are supposed to provide our leaders with information and facts, not sycophantic talking points.
The irony for me, watching the drama this week, is that when I worked with Webster as TTC chair, the chief general manager was always willing to engage with those with whom he disagreed, and sought ways to find mutually acceptable solutions. I didn’t always see eye to eye with him, but I knew he’d give me an honest answer and that I could trust his advice. Often he was right.
Webster’s leadership ensured that the TTC continues to be one of the three lowest-cost transit agencies in the world, per passenger carried or kilometre travelled – something we as taxpayers and fare-paying riders should be proud of.
Gary Webster became an unlikely hero, a quiet, meticulous civil servant, well known globally and respected for his expertise while rarely talked about at home – mostly because he was too busy implementing change to worry about interviews.
He was widely known as genuine, kind and understanding, with absolute integrity and professionalism – the epitome of a gentleman in every sense of the word.
A list of his extensive accomplishments might start with his job implementing the revamped communications at the TTC: the embracing of social media, an open data policy, email alerts, a new web page, an SMS- and app-driven next vehicle info system. Webster also managed the customer service panel that led to service improvements.
High up on the same roster would be his initiation of the Work Safe, Home Safe program that dramatically cut on-the-job injuries and reduced absenteeism. He also made the commission’s desire for the TTC to open up to the public a reality. During his time as CGM, the TTC started giving tours, participating in Doors Open Toronto, the Pride parade and Caribana and engaging young students as TTC Ambassadors at events.
When he came to the commission in 1975, having just completed his civil engineering degree at Queen’s, the Spadina line was nearing completion. Thirty years later, he oversaw the studies and construction of the largest extension since the 70s, the Spadina continuation. As CGM, he certainly didn’t ignore subterranean travel. Two other studies for future subway extensions were begun and nearly completed on his watch. The first explored a continuation of the Yonge line north from Finch, and the second was a feasibility study focused on the Downtown Relief Line ultimately envisioned as a loop to relieve pressure on existing subway lines.
Webster implemented a total fleet replacement, with over 1,600 buses purchased, more than half of them hybrids. He also oversaw the subway car replacement contract and the largest single order of streetcars to date in the world.
Above all, Webster made sure that the TTC maintained its state-of-good-repair mentality. During his tenure, the streetcar track replacement program was completed, and renovations to stations prioritized.
The single biggest rollout of new service occurred under his guidance, when in 2008 more than 350 new operators where hired and 100 new buses added to the rush-hour fleet. At the same time, all routes were extended to operate 6 am to 1.30 am daily, lowering crowding levels.
In one year, $65 million of new service was added, and, not surprisingly, a couple of years later the commission saw ridership grow to a record of 500 million-plus rides – one of the fastest increases ever. He also brought in the TTC’s first cycling and green plans, which led to energy retrofits, green roofs and the continent’s largest green procurement plan.
Worldwide, Webster will be known for overseeing the design and start of construction of Transit City, a network of seven light rail lines over 130 kilometres. Shepherding this project through study, design and start of construction on October 5, 2009, in record time, the CGM demonstrated that he knew how to get things done.
Recently, Webster honestly evaluated Ford’s subway plan, with an open mind, and presented the conclusions of his nonaligned staff of planners, engineers and experts. Indeed, this was his obligation as a professional engineer.
What I miss most about working with him is learning from an incredibly intelligent and experienced individual who taught me about transit he’s probably the reason why I was able to stay in the field. He is also graceful under pressure, with a kindness and empathy that make him a great person to have around when there are problems – a situation that’s all too common in transit.
This week, Toronto lost a man who dedicated his professional life to serving transit riders, and the message his departure sends, that speaking the truth is not valued, will erode the services we value and may lead to us toward the American-style politicization of our civil service. Perhaps this is what Rob Ford wants. A decimated, poorly performing public service, which his actions may yet create, is an argument for their eventual privatization.
As Webster said in his very brief remarks, the trains will continue to run tomorrow. But we are a poorer city for the actions of the Ford five.
news@nowtoronto.com
