ACAT Meeting - December 18, 2025

Minutes of Meeting:

ACAT General Meeting

Meeting Date:             

Thursday, December 18, 2025                                           
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location:

Hybrid meeting via Teams

Present:

• Betty Rivington-Law, ACAT Chair
• Lori Bailey, ACAT Vice-Chair
• Sophie Petrillo, ACAT Vice-Chair
• Tammy Adams
• Debbie Gillespie, SPS Chair
• Mei Hung
• Azim Lila
• Maria Marin, CS Chair
• Angela Marley 
• Lavarnan Mehavarnan
• Karen Mootoo
• Craig Nicol, DRS Chair
• Lauri Sue Robertson, WTOS Chair
• Chau Sheung Wong 

Pool Members:

• Oliva Darwin
• Paul Manna
• Nathaniel Tok

Absent:

• Frank Lockhart

Invited Guests:

• Paul Cross
• Yasmine Simone Gray 
• Gerald Mak 
• Corina McCoy  

TTC Representatives:

• Mandeep S. Lali, TTC CEO
• Lodon Hassan, Divisional Manager, Wheel-Trans Customer Service  
• Adrienne Isaac, Administrative Assistant, Wheel-Trans
• Levenson Lincoln, Assistant Manager, Wheel-Trans Customer Service 
• David LoPresti, Manager, Contracted Taxi Services, Wheel-Trans
• Adrian Grundy, Head of Corporate Communications  
• Sneha Madhuri, Communications Advisor, Corporate Communications
• Dean Milton, Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Wheel-Trans 
• Cameron Penman, Head of Wheel-Trans
• Jeff Short, Senior Planner – System Accessibility, Strategy & Foresight 
• Ross Visconti, Wheel-Trans Project Manager
• Pam Watson, Manager of Transportation, Wheel-Trans
• Natalie Francis, Manager, Planning and Policy, Wheel-Trans
• John Boucher, Manager, Lakeshore Garage, Wheel-Trans 
• Michael Pimentel, Coordinator, Contracted Services, Wheel-Trans 
• Warren Rupnarian, Accessibility Liaison for the TTC
• Matt Hagg, Manager, Customer Policy and Planning, Strategy & Foresight 
• Curtis Batuszkin, Senior Planner, Transit Stops
• Matthew Do Couto, Manager of Elevating Devices
• Chris Kelesis, Supervisor, Elevating Devices
• Kisha Powell, Senior Communication Specialist, Marketing & Customer Experience 
• Ike Onuoha, Program Manager, Vehicle Programs 

Items Discussed

1. Call to Order
2. Safety Moment/Attendance
3. Land Acknowledgement
4. Declaration of Conflict of Interest
5. Approval of Agenda
6. Review and Approval of November 27, 2025, Minutes
7. Remarks from ACAT Chair
8. Remarks from TTC Executive
9. Acknowledgement of the 2025 Retiring ACAT Members and Introduction of 2026 ACAT Members and Pool Members – Cameron Penman
10. Wheel-Trans Transformation Update – Cameron Penman, Head of Wheel-Trans
11. 366 The East Mall bus stops – Curtis Batuszkin, Senior Planner, Transit Stops 
12. Outstanding Items
    a. ACAT Members’ Manual
13. Deputation:   Nil 
14. Incoming Correspondence:
    a. Subway stations stair nosing visual contrast
15. Subcommittee Reports, Highlights and Updates- Communications 
    - Design Review 
    - Strategy and Planning  
    - Wheel-Trans Operations (no meeting) 
16. Other/New Business
17. For ACAT Members’ Information 
    - ACAT New Member Orientation – January 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (virtual) 
    - ACAT New Member Training – January 16, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (hybrid)
    - ACAT Executive Elections – January 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.(virtual)
18. Next Meeting – January 29, 2026 
19. Adjournment  

1. Call to Order/Attendance 

Betty Rivington-Law, ACAT Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:04 p.m.  

2. Safety Moment/Attendance 

Levenson Lincoln gave a safety briefing for attendees and reminded the 2026 ACAT members that they were not permitted to participate in the meeting discussion.

3. Land Acknowledgement 

Sophie Petrillo, ACAT Vice-Chair, read the Land Acknowledgement. 

4. Declaration of Conflict of Interest 

Nil. 

5. Approval of Agenda 

Motion to approve the agenda as presented: Azim Lila

Seconded: Angela Marley

Carried:  Agenda approved.

6. Review and Approval of November 27, 2025 Minutes 

The item was deferred to the next meeting.

7. Remarks from the ACAT Chair 

Betty Rivington-Law, ACAT Chair, discussed a December 7 ride on the new Line 6 Finch West, which identified accessibility issues with wayfinding, audio/visual stop announcements, and Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), some of which were addressed later that day. She also shared positive feedback received from the TTC Board on ACAT’s work. Additionally, she gave a summary of the December 17 TTC Elevating Devices town hall which some ACAT members attended. Members shared their lived experience perspective to emphasize the importance of escalators and elevators. The remarks closed with sincere thanks to Committee members and staff for their support, recognition of collective resilience, and well wishes for everyone’s health in the coming year. 

Questions and Comments from the Committee

Nil.

8. Remarks from TTC Executive 

Mandeep S. Lali, TTC CEO, reflected on joining the TTC in July 2025 and learning about ACAT’s strong advocacy work. He thanked all members for their passion, collaboration, and impact on advancing accessible transit. Special appreciation was given to outgoing members, the ACAT Chair, and ACAT subcommittees for their dedication and leadership, particularly during the opening of Line 6 and ongoing service improvements. The update highlighted significant progress in accessibility, with 61 of 70 stations now fully accessible, and emphasized the close connection between ACAT and Wheel-Trans. He noted Wheel-Trans’ strong performance outcomes, including increased ridership, improved call-centre response times, a 99.9% accommodation rate, and high customer satisfaction, underscoring the lasting legacy of the committee’s work.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member commented on the lack of accessibility features running when Line 6 opened on the line opening day, although they were able to get the features activated easily when it was brought to staff’s attention. They noted that the TTC staff who ensure accessibility, like Jeff Short and Matt Hagg, do not receive enough support from the TTC, including with liaising with Metrolinx. They encouraged TTC staff to take a more active role in assuring quality checking prior to running the vehicles. Mandeep S. Lali thanked the Committee for the feedback, noting that board reviews by mode help identify specific areas for improvement and provide detailed input to guide incremental accessibility improvements. He acknowledged that Line 6 could have been delivered better and explained that Lines 5 and 6 follow a different delivery model, with Metrolinx responsible for design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance, and the TTC acting as operator. That represents a new way of working for the TTC. He emphasized that the feedback will inform improvements on current and future lines as that model moves forward.

A member expanded on two points made by another member; with the understanding there were issues between Metrolinx and the TTC. She emphasized that accessibility “reviews” at new stations were not tours and need to be clearly defined, and stressed that accessibility features must be fully tested alongside train operations and safety systems well before opening day. Using Line 6 as an example, they noted that critical features such as audible announcements were not confirmed to be working prior to opening, highlighting gaps in the testing process. They concluded by recognizing the essential role of support staff and senior staff engagement, particularly in providing accurate station descriptions that were vital for planning accessible journeys.

A member noted that feedback from TTC drivers was that they feel disrespected, not listened to, and that they work in a toxic environment. Mandeep S. Lali explained that employee feedback from surveys and engagement forms was being reviewed with third-party support and will inform how the organization needs to evolve. They emphasized the need for two-way communication, breaking down silos, and greater transparency in decision-making. The work involves multiple, coordinated changes across the organization over the long term, rather than a single quick fix.

9. Acknowledgement of the 2025 Retiring ACAT members and Introduction of the 2026 ACAT Members and Pool Members 

Cameron Penman, Head of Wheel-Trans, thanked the members of ACAT retiring in 2025, Betty Rivington-Law, Frank Lockhart, Mei Hung, Maria Marin, Lavarnan Mehavarnan, and 2025 pool member, Oliva Darwin. He welcomed the new members and pool members, including the return of Paul Manna and Nathaniel Tok who will transition from being pool members to full members, and Paul Cross, Yasmine Gray, and Gerald Mak as full members. The 2026 pool members are Amber Lavitt and Corina McCoy. 

10. Wheel-Trans Transformation Update 

Cameron Penman, Head of Wheel-Trans, noted negotiations for the Requests for Proposal for the Automatic Vehicle Location and Interactive Voice Response systems were nearing completion. Software upgrades were progressing, with additional phases of reservation, scheduling, and dispatch enhancements planned for launch in the coming months, and electric sedan procurements expected to be announced in Q1 2026, with deliveries anticipated in 2026. 

1,400 legacy customers were re-registered in 2025, accessible taxis have been fully onboarded to the “Where is My Ride” feature, with expansion planned to sedan taxis in 2026. Cameron expressed appreciation to the Committee for a productive and collaborative year. 

Questions and Comments from the Committee 

A member recommended a campaign to inform customers of the “Where is My Ride” features. Cameron Penman would take that back as a good suggestion.

A member noted that TTC staff were very helpful and accommodating but contracted taxi drivers are easy to differentiate as they are less accommodating. The member, or any member that experienced issues with the contracted taxi staff was encouraged to reach out to David Lo Presti, Manager of Contracted Taxi Services, to leave comments.

A member commented that the training session with Royal Taxi and Co-op Taxi was described as informative and valuable, with strong attention to respectful, inclusive language and effective correction of problematic terms, as well as relevant testing and feedback tied directly to Wheel-Trans services. The speaker suggested adding more scenario-based training, noting that issues such as No-Show procedures, vehicle cleanliness, phone use while driving, and contracted service practices were important topics that were well addressed and should continue to be reinforced. Cameron Penman would take that back.

A member attended the December 13 Royal Taxi and Co-op Taxi refresher training and described as excellent and highly valuable. She recommended having future electric sedan drivers attend these sessions to learn real-world scenarios and leverage existing training rather than creating a new program. She also noted they had no No-Show slips and Cameron Penman commented he would bring that back, as they should have a supply of those.

The member also suggested providing an alternative method of providing a No-Show notice as blind people often cannot find them when they were posted. Staff confirmed they were working on this, but they are given by phone and SMS as well.

A member asked if Wheel-Trans could provide the update when the Line 6 Wheel-Trans stops have been completed and Cameron Penman agreed that information would be provided when available.

11. 366 The East Mall bus stops 

Curtis Batuszkin, Senior Planner, Transit Stops, stated ACAT received correspondence regarding the bus stops near 366 The East Mall in Etobicoke. He explained these stops were initially moved to a nearby location which would meet the TTC’s accessible bus stop standards in a more cost-effective manner. The stop relocation prompted significant community feedback, because it created inconvenience for local residents, leading to agreement to return the stop to its original location despite limitations. 

Curtis Batuszkin explained that many legacy bus stops did not meet current accessibility standards, and while simpler bus stop accessibility upgrades have been completed elsewhere in the network, many remaining stops are increasingly complex due to space constraints, utilities relocation, slopes, and other considerations. In some cases, slight relocation of stops allows accessibility improvements to be delivered faster and more efficiently, though that can conflict with community preferences. He emphasized the ongoing need for ACAT’s guidance on acceptable trade-offs, timelines, and alternatives as the TTC navigates these more challenging accessibility decisions.

Questions and Comments from the Committee 

A member commented they had recently been at Victoria Park Station, where the Wheel-Trans stop was difficult to find on a windy, cold platform, with the No Show board being inside the station. She was wondering why the stop was so far away from the front doors. Curtis Batuszkin explained that while Wheel-Trans has its own requirements, their team aimed to minimize distances from entrances to stations, ensure amenities such as lighting and No-Show boards are provided, and maintain good line-of-sight. Technical standards include a maximum distance of 75 metres from entrances. They coordinate closely with Wheel-Trans on challenging locations and are open to addressing concerns.

A member suggested that anyone who emails transit accessibility concerns to  accessibility@ttc.ca  will receive a reply, as that email goes directly to Jeff Short, who relays the concerns to the correct team to address. 

A member asked what the basis for choosing stop locations would be. It was explained that it was based on areas that the customers use, where staff does on onsite checks to ensure accessibility. It was suggested this topic could be brought back to the subcommittee in the New Year for discussion, but a member suggested ACAT would benefit from additional background information prior to doing that to provide good feedback.

12. Outstanding Items 

a. ACAT Members’ Manual

The manual has now been updated, item completed.   

b. Sam Savona Dedication

To be at College Station after Easier Access project completion, anticipated by Q2 2026.

13. Deputation 

Nil.

14. Incoming Correspondence 

a. Subway stations stair nosing visual contrast

Jeff Short has taken that item back for internal discussions and would report back when more information was available. This item was assigned to the Design Review Subcommittee.

15. Subcommittee Reports, Highlights and Updates 

Communications Subcommittee (CS)

Maria Marin, CS Chair, gave a summary of the meeting held on December 4, 2025.

The Subcommittee discussed several accessibility and communications items. Members asked for Line 6 trains to announce door direction and next-station information both when entering and leaving stations, but that item was deferred to February 2026. TTC staff presented new subway platform boarding decals designed to support customer flow and improve visibility for low-vision riders, with additional user testing planned. Updates were given on the December 31, 2025 end of tokens, tickets, and day passes for Wheel-Trans customers, ongoing communications projects, and improvements to the Wheel-Trans app and Self-booking Website. Members also raised the need for better public education on new transit lines and clearer instructions on Passenger Assistance Intercom (PAI) systems.

CS Meeting Highlights:

• TTC was testing new boarding decals and exploring better onboard announcements for Line 6.
• Tokens, tickets, and day passes will no longer be accepted on Wheel-Trans after Dec 31, 2025.
• Members emphasized early review of Line 6 materials, accessible website updates, and clearer education about PAI systems across vehicles.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member clarified that since the opening of Line 6 the Wheel-Trans stops are set and staff are completing the installations. The Line 6 Station Descriptions are on ttc.ca.

A member asked for clarification about “Phase 5” mentioned in the fireside chat with Dean Milton and Ross Visconti, noting that the YouTube link did not explain it. Cameron Penman clarified that the organization is in phase 5 of a seven-phase program upgrading reservation, scheduling, and dispatch software, with three phases remaining. Phase 5 is currently being tested and will improve scheduling technology, including adherence to schedules and accounting for traffic. They offered to provide a detailed breakdown of features in each remaining phase in future subcommittee meetings.

The member commented it would be helpful for members to receive the information on the remaining phases so they know what is upcoming. Cameron Penman agreed and recommended they put a presentation together for the February 2026 meeting, outlining the remaining phases. He also commented that ACAT had been involved with the project from the outset.

A member suggested increasing customer awareness of the “First On, Last Off” initiative, as bus drivers have commented on the rudeness of able-bodied customers pushing other customers out of the way to get on the bus first.

A member noted that a staff fireside chat was held on International Day for Persons with Disabilities (December 3, 2025), with a link to the vide shared with CS members. They asked that a link be sent to all members as the chat is very informative, which included Dean Milton, Ross Visconti, a bus operator from Wheel-Trans, and Warren Rupnarain from the Access, Equity and Inclusion department.

The next Communications Subcommittee meet will be held on February 5, 2026.

Design Review Subcommittee (DRS) 

Craig Nicol, DRS Chair, provided a summary of the meeting held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Staff gave an overview of design-related public feedback from the 2025 TTC Public Forum on Accessible Transit. Highlights from the feedback included topics such as stroller use in Priority Seating, rear-door boarding, increasing colour contrast of bus grab straps, steep streetcar ramps, and various concerns about stations such as narrow doors, poorly placed buttons, and insufficient tactile wayfinding. ACAT members discussed these issues, proposed customer education on priority seating, and suggested design improvements such as better strap colours and retractable stop-sign arms for streetcars. 

A staff overview of the Line 6 Finch West LRT ACAT visit highlighted feedback about hard-to-read signage, Areas of Refuge, audible announcements, and vehicle grab rails. Members requested clearer communication on emergency features, APS button location information, and connecting-route information ahead of the line’s public opening.

DRS Meeting Highlights:

• Public feedback from the 2025 TTC Accessible Transit Forum.
• ACAT feedback from the Line 6 Finch West LRT Preview.

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member commented that drivers noted the bus ramp deployment involves multiple steps and not just pushing one button, which causes frustration with customers, waiting to board.

A member commented that friends suggested subway stair edge colour contrast needs improvement. Jeff Short explained that TTC design standards require color-contrasted stair edge nosing and tactile indicators at the top of the stairs. Stairs across the network are in various conditions, with those in the poorest condition being prioritized for rebuilding, such as a recently rebuilt stair at St. George. Annual inspections by the Plant Maintenance team guide these priorities. Over time, more stairs will be upgraded to current standards, with further details to be discussed at DRS in early 2026.

The next meeting was scheduled for February 10, 2026.

Strategy and Planning Subcommittee (SPS)

Debbie Gillespie, SPS Chair, provided a summary of the SPS meeting held on December 9, 2025.

Staff gave an update presentation on the PRESTO Support Person Assistance Card. They highlighted how the proposed 1-card solution would work from a customer journey perspective, employing a “pass back” solution, where the customer taps the card and proceeds through the fare gate, then passes their card back to the support person who taps the card. No fare is charged on the second tap. It is expected that the PRESTO Support Person Assistance Card will be implemented no earlier than Q3 of 2028, after PRESTO 2.0 (move to a cloud-based account system) upgrades are completed. Subcommittee members commented on card misuse, enforcement challenges, smart device compatibility, privacy, and the long implementation timeline. Staff pointed out that many technical and policy details are still under review. 

TTC staff gave an overview presentation on the 2025 Public Forum on Accessible Transit comments pertaining to Strategy and Planning. Topics ranged from poor sidewalk conditions and connections to TTC services; bus driver training; use of strollers in Priority Seating areas; the Request Stop Program time; streetcar announcements; safety and security concerns; elevator outages; Public Forum event feedback; and feedback about specific bus routes. Subcommittee members provided helpful suggestions for what can be included in responses to the Public Forum comments. 

Warden Station Easier Access elevators were discussed. Elevators will be temporarily taken out of service in early 2026 to install the glass wall panels. For the 2026 interim service plan, Service Planning has been asked to continue the alternate bus connections for Warden Station until May 31, 2026. 90 Vaughan Road bus route correspondence: staff noted that changes to this route align with the removal of mid-block stops elsewhere in the city (moved to signalized crossings to improve pedestrian safety).

SPS Meeting Highlights:

• Plans for the new PRESTO enabled Support Person Assistance Card
• Accessibility issues presented at the 2025 Public Forum on Accessible Transit.
• Warden Station Easier Access elevator construction 

Questions and Comments from the Committee

A member commented that bus drivers report significant pressure from immediate supervisors to meet schedules, despite no formal discipline for being late. Current schedules are often created using out-of-service buses, which doesn’t reflect real conditions like busy stops at schools, hospitals, or long-term care homes. Drivers experience anxiety and stress when they cannot keep on schedule. They suggest rerunning routes with full, in-service buses to create more realistic schedules.

The ACAT Chair noted she had written a letter to Metrolinx/PRESTO encouraging them to speed the up the timeline for implementation of PRESTO 2.0, which would allow a better use for the Support Person Assistance Card. Metrolinx had acknowledged receipt of the letter.

A member commented that the Wheel-Trans buses currently in service are not very comfortable and asked if they would be improving the suspension anytime soon. It was confirmed they were working on that and when the prototype for the new system is released next year, ACAT members were encouraged to try it and provide feedback.

The next meeting will be held in February 2026.

Wheel-Trans Operations Subcommittee (WTOS)

No meeting held in December 2025. The next meeting will be held in February 2026. 

16. Other/New Business 

Committee members were given an opportunity to speak to lessons learned and final year-end reflections.

17. For ACAT Members’ Information 

• ACAT New Member Orientation - January 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (virtual)
• ACAT Intersectionality and Bias Training (New Members)- January 16, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (hybrid)
• ACAT Executive Elections – January 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.(virtual) 

18. Next Meeting 

Next ACAT General Meeting: Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

19. Adjournment 

Meeting adjourned at 3:21 p.m. on a motion by Angela Marley.

Cindy Edwards
Recording Secretary