The new TTC CEO has said he will be riding the city’s transit system every day to identify issues, and many people are impressed.
Mandeep Lali, the new CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked for the transit departments in both London and New York City.
In a CEO’s report released by the TTC earlier this month, Lali said that he will not own a car, instead riding the system every day to experience firsthand what other people in the city undergo while using transit.
“I believe this is the best way to identify areas for improvement and ensure we deliver meaningful solutions,” the statement said, also outlining Lali’s dedication to make the TTC the safest, cleanest and most reliable transit system possible.
This follows a long stretch of public scrutiny faced by the TTC, which has been called out for everything from service disruptions to bed bug sightings and violence on board in recent years.
TTCriders RESPOND
TTCriders is a grassroots transit advocacy organization in Toronto. The group’s executive director, Andrew Pulsifer, told Now Toronto that it’s excited by Lali’s appointment.
“We’re thrilled that Mr. Lali responded to our call for a CEO who understands the daily challenges transit riders face and that he has pledged to be a transit rider,” Pulsifer told Now Toronto, adding that the organization is glad the new CEO recognizes that lived experience offers key insights that data alone can’t provide.
Explaining that the system is facing serious challenges, Pulsifer says that what riders need most from the CEO is more transparency and accountability.
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“There’s plenty of room for the TTC to become more efficient and reliable. If he uses transit himself, advocates for what riders need based on that lived experience, and backs it up with performance data, it will be a strong step in the right direction,” Pulisfer shared, adding that
Lali brings with him valuable experience managing complex rapid transit systems.
“Transit users are counting on him to rebuild ridership, expand transit priority lanes, eliminate subway slow zones, and make fares more affordable through policies like fare capping. These issues can only be solved by truly listening to the people who rely on transit every day.”
Online, people are responding to Lali’s promise to be a regular transit user, with some saying that riding the transit system should be mandatory for the position.
“Shouldn’t that have been a requirement of the job to begin with?” one person on Instagram questioned.
“Probably should have hired someone who has been doing this already,” another person commented.
While others are pointing out some of the struggles he may face along the way.
“When his meeting starts at 9 and the bus driver stops to get coffee mid-run, he will see,” one person posted on Instagram.
“When he gets stuck on the train because of a raccoon at track level, followed by being unable to hear the announcer over the PA system, he should let us know,” one person posted.
And others are impressed with the commitment.
“He will ride daily and will not own a car. Bold claim, if done well , he will setup a great example,” one X user said.
“Wow, this is actually pretty good. Props to him.”
