Local 113-Toronto, ON, ATU International and TTC Team Up on New Bus Design Innovation Program
Collaborative Project Aims to Improve Bus Operator Health and Safety
The ATU is very excited to announce that together with Local 113-Toronto, ON, we are partnering with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Centennial College to unveil bus-of-the-future concepts that will significantly improve security and provide a healthier working environment for bus operators.
“Our Union has been leading the way in the industry on safety and security for our members and riders as violence and attacks have increased on transit systems. We look forward to this important partnership with the TTC and our Local 113 to implement these design concepts that will save lives,” said ATU International President John Costa.
The new designs, which build on best practices globally, will greatly reduce the risk of our members being assaulted while maintaining a clear, unobstructed view of both mirrors to ensure safe operation.
“We have an opportunity to establish a new global benchmark in bus design, as world leaders in safety and service quality. Together we can make a vital contribution to the health and safety of transit workers, TTC riders, and the City of Toronto,” said Local 113 President/Business Agent Marvin Alfred.
Improving Air Quality on Buses
In another part of the project, we will be developing a new system that will improve air quality for the health of passengers and operators.
“Transit systems learned from the global pandemic that we need to do more to protect our customers and bus operators from respiratory hazards,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “Through our Bus Design Innovation Program, we aim to set a new global standard for healthy air circulation and ensure the TTC is fully prepared for the next pandemic and seasonal viruses. I want to thank our union partners and Centennial College for this incredibly important partnership with the TTC.”
The ATU has also been advocating for these new designs in the U.S., which has received broad interest in support from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, and we’re excited for this new partnership to make these concepts a reality. We’ll keep you updated about the Bus Design Innovation Program.