Of the more than 2,700 people polled, 87 per cent of respondents say they will not return to the service until they're vaccinated and a COVID-19 vaccine is made available.

“We will take care of the impacted employees as best we can during this difficult time and I look forward to everyone returning to the TTC once ridership has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels.”

The TTC says it is adding dozens of buses to routes across Toronto identified as being busy and overcrowded to encourage physical distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19.

The members include three operators, a mechanic apprentice, a maintenance employee and a subway fare collector.

"Unless your trip is essential, please consider travelling after 7:30 a.m. to encourage physical distancing," the TTC said.

The news comes less than a week after it was confirmed an employee at the TTC's Duncan shop, which overhauls and rebuilds buses, tested positive for COVID-19.

The Toronto Transit Commission says one of its employees — not a front-line worker — has tested positive for COVID-19.

“While we wish the TTC would have moved sooner on this, we appreciate the policy change to provide workers the choice to wear protective masks on the job," Carlos Santos, president of ATU Local 113, said in a statement.

The increase was initially revealed in the 2020 operating budget and applies to all fares, except for the adult cash fare which will remain the same at $3.25. 

Getting around the City of Toronto could be challenging for some travellers this weekend, as sections of Line 1 will be shut down.