Single operator subways the ‘obvious’ way to modernize TTC: Andy Byford

TORONTO — The TTC is set to switch its subway system from two-person operation to a single operator by Thanksgiving weekend.

Two-operator trains have been the norm since Toronto’s subway system first opened in 1954, but TTC CEO Andy Byford said it’s no longer necessary with changing technology.

“It’s the obvious thing to do as we progressively modernize the TTC and its work practices,” Byford told Global News.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's the obvious thing to do as we progressively modernize the TTC and its work practices," Byford told Global News.

The Toronto Rocket trains introduced in 2014 are designed to operate with just one person positioned at the front of the train. The TTC also added CCTV cameras to these trains, allowing the operator to see the train doors when leaving the platform.

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Byford said the TTC has already run all the necessary safety tests and spoken to the Ministry of Labour.

Trains on Line 4 Sheppard will be the first to adopt the new automatic train control system this October, followed by Line 1 Yonge-University-Spadina.

Byford called these two lines “inherently safe,” thanks to their straight platforms and short chains of just four cars per set.

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The switch is expected to save the TTC $18 million every year, with more savings expected when the new system eventually rolls out on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth. Even so, the TTC still faces a $172 million shortfall.

Byford said no operators will lose their jobs because of this change. Rather, the TTC will accommodate them through attrition as subway service expands and workers retire.

“Let’s remember this is not new to Toronto. We’ve had one-person operation on the Scarborough Rapid Transit system now since its inception back in 1985,” said Byford.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Let's remember this is not new to Toronto. We've had one-person operation on the Scarborough Rapid Transit system now since its inception back in 1985," said Byford.

Single-operator systems are also standard practice in other parts of the world, including London, Paris, Berlin, Hong Kong and Singapore.