The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has temporarily removed its Pride chimes on subway platforms due to “inconsistent” audio and confused reactions from commuters.
At the start of the month, the TTC introduced three-tone chimes that would be blared across the transit system. These sounds were performed by Toronto-based 2SLGBTQQIA+ community choir Singing Out.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Singing Out on this new, exciting way to celebrate Pride 2023. That being said, we understand that the chimes playing across the system didn’t always sound quite like we anticipated and that the acoustics in certain stations were inconsistent. As a result, we have temporarily removed them,” the TTC said in a statement to Now Toronto on Thursday.
READ MORE: Here’s how you can celebrate Pride Month in Toronto
Since its roll out, the Pride chimes have been played regularly within subway stations, so much so that it has amassed mixed reactions from TTC customers.
The new TTC sound is just awful. You have to get rid of this, @TTChelps.
— Shari Kasman (@smkasman) June 12, 2023
These weird animal sounds on TTC platforms sound like a bird dying a slow and painful death wishing for someone to just put it down. #TTC
— Stephan Petar (@stephanpetar) June 13, 2023
What is that horrible screeching sound before and after TTC announcements? @TTChelps
— Dave Butters (@davebutters) June 8, 2023
Some users on Twitter have described the chime as a “squawking sound,” a “jumpscare” and even a “blood thirsty rooster.”
In #Toronto subway stations public address announcements are preceded by the sound of a choir of scary voices singing this ahhh-ahhh-ahhh rhythm which sounds like the theme to the #Omen (1976)…Like it isn't chilling enough on #transit in this city? ##TTC
— Uber Rock JDB🐻⬇️ (@Toronto1) June 7, 2023
@TTCnotices @TTChelps please change the sound back the new one is annoying and all of a sudden high pitch group screaming doesnt seem relaxing. Its unsettling. Change back the announcement sound this sound is horrible #ttc #ttcsound #ttcalarm
— 🌺 (@KiranScarboroug) June 13, 2023
As a compromise, the TTC says it will bring back the choir’s chimes and its Pride-themed jingle for Pride weekend on June 23 to 25. It will also continue to showcase the choir in their 700 advertisements throughout its system and display its three wrapped Pride transit vehicles.
“We are grateful for the Choir’s efforts to help us try something new and look forward to continuing to find ways to celebrate the diversity of our customers and employees during Pride and all year long,” the transit agency said.
Earlier on Wednesday, some TTC riders also heard new versions of the Pride chime in which the choir belts out “we’re singing out, we sing in key, that’s why we’re singing for the TTC” in addition to the original chime.
This version was previously posted on Singing Out’s instagram page, but has since been deleted. However, in a tweet by TTC Thursday evening, users can hear the updated version sung by the choir.
“Did you hear the Pride Chimes by @SingingOutLGBTQ played in subway stations? We listened to your feedback, and we’re removing the chimes to adjust the acoustics before bringing it back in time for Pride Weekend on June 23,” reads the tweet.
Did you hear the Pride Chimes by @SingingOutLGBTQ played in subway stations? We listened to your feedback, and we're removing the chimes to adjust the acoustics before bringing it back in time for Pride Weekend on June 23. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎 pic.twitter.com/gW0hPnrqaa
— TTC Customer Service (@TTChelps) June 15, 2023
