Statement by TTC Chair Josh Colle

On behalf of the TTC Board, I want to thank Andy Byford for his commitment to the TTC and to the people of Toronto.

Since Andy joined the TTC six years ago, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to continuously improving the TTC, fighting for better transit, and for our customers.

He has succeeded at all of that, and more. Andy created a vision for the TTC, and worked with Mayor Tory and the TTC Board to begin the necessary reinvestment in public transit that we have today. We have all been fortunate to have his expertise and leadership here in Toronto where transit is never far from the top of the issues list.

Andy showed leadership and commitment, and together with City Council and the TTC Board, worked to get the Spadina Subway Extension back on track, which is now set to open in a few weeks. He made customer service a fundamental priority for both himself and for staff throughout the entire organization. This relentless focus on customer service has resulted in a system and service that is noticeably cleaner, safer and more reliable to our customers. Our customer satisfaction levels have never been higher.

I will miss Andy’s advice and counsel, his commitment to accountability and integrity, his enthusiasm for modernizing the TTC, and his fondness for his employees. At every opportunity he proudly defended the thousands of men and women who work at the TTC and would consistently engage with employees across the organization.

He loved to ride the system and talk with our customers. He is a great communicator, as we have all seen in action over his time with us here in Toronto. New York is lucky to have him, and I wish him great success at what is sure to be a monumental challenge.

Finally, at our Board Meeting on Nov. 28 to discuss the budget, I will ask the Board to affirm our Deputy CEO Rick Leary as Acting CEO, effective Dec. 22. As per my direction, Chief People Officer Gemma Piemontese has already engaged with an executive search firm and we hope to have a permanent CEO in place on or before July 1.