Toronto the Good? - I think not

Are you ready for another TTC story?

My son and I took the 504 streetcar home tonight just as we always do. Except this time he forgot his little blue book bag (containing his two very favorite books) on the seat. His much adored-goes with him everywhere-sleeps with book bag.

I realized he did not have his bag just as the streetcar rumbled across the intersection. Oh crap. We waited for the next 504 streetcar with the hope that his bag could be quickly retrieved.

The TTC operator was very kind to my tearful toddler. She did her very best to help us. They contacted the driver ahead of us. I could actually SEE the street car we'd been on ahead of us. He checked and no bag. We got off the second streetcar and began walking back home.

I knew it was always a possibility we could lose the bag. I just hoped it wouldn't happen.

I'm disappointed not with the TTC but rather the citizens of Toronto.

Now I ask you. Who takes a toddler's bag, books, crayons and drawings and keeps it?

Toronto the Good? Not to me.

How I really feel about the TTC

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is my main source of transportation. Unless of course I am fortunate to have an actual car ride. (yes, you may insert the mental image of a dog hanging it's head out the window. Satisfied?)

You've only hear the bad.

I use transit almost every single day. I really can't complain about the service if I consider the entire picture.

The customer service department has been wonderful (and appalled) about the entire 'situation'. I am awaiting the resolution (in writing!). I feel a tiny bit bad about reporting him, even if he deserved it.

I'm still so angry that I'm tempted to actually write a letter to Adam Giambrone.

Wait wasn't I supposed to be saying something nice?

Here we go again

My son and I had a great time at the island yesterday. Really he would go every single day.

Getting there was a bit of a challenge. My son's left hand got caught in the elevator door at Broadview Station. (of course we were on the other side of the door.)

Thankfully I was able to pry his fingers from between the two sliding doors. We exited the elevator and I inspected his fingers on the westbound platform. Purple-red, swollen and scraped skin. Plus lots of tears.

I decided to take him back to the collector's booth to report the incident and obtain first-aid.

The TTC collectors response? Indifference. Our conversation went like this.

"My son just got his fingers caught in the elevator door."

"What do you expect me to do?" he replied.

I gave him a strange/annoyed look. "Do you have any ice?"

"Now, why would I have that?" he replied in a sarcastic tone.

I just stared at him stunned. "I'd like first-aid for my son. Do you have a first-aid kit?"

"Yes, I can only give you a couple of band-aids. I can't do anything else." he said shrugging.

Now I'm getting angry. "I'd like to file a report. "

"You can call 393-INFO on Monday to file a report."

"No, I'd like to file an accident report today."

"You can call 393-INFO on to file a report."

"That's it? Those supervisors over there at the streetcar platform can't help me?"

"No, they can't."

"Will someone answer my call at that number today?"

"Yup." he replied in a bored tone.

I left the station. I walked around the corner to the McDonald's where they were kind enough to give us ice and genuine concern for my son's well being.

I bought a yogurt to distract him while I applied the ice to his fingers (only moderately successful). I also called the TTC to report the incident. I was assured by Arlene that someone would call me on Monday morning to take my report.

My son had understandably tender fingers, but he seemed to be returning to his normal self. Now about 15-25 minutes have passed since we left in search of ice. We head back to the station.

Same collector. My son helps me swipe my metropass and I start to proceed with my son through the turnstile. The collector stops us. He now wants me to pay a fare for my son to get back into the station. (It wasn't an issue for this same collector when we entered the first time.)

"You want me to pay for my son?" I ask incredulously.

"Children over 2 need to pay to use the transit system" he responds with a smirk.

I am beyond angry. I purchase more children's tickets, deposit one and ask for his name.

"13552" rolled off his tongue effortlessly. I suspect it's been requested a lot.

Not a good day to be a TTC employee

What a day! I wish I was saying it in a good way.

I took what should have been a quick trip. It took 3 1/2 hours.

I have to admit that I could have shaved off almost an hour if I hadn't taken pity on a poor man who was hopelessly lost. Proving that no good deed goes unpunished.

If I understood him - his name was Choosaun. (Apologies for the spelling). I think he had been going in circles because he was confused by the all the trains at Museum station. Three directions on one track and southbound Y/U trains on the other track. I imagine if you didn't speak English it was confusing.

I'm here to tell you the TCC instructions stunk. The staff were very patient and polite even though you could tell they were extremely stressed. They were grouchy to each other though!

Museum station was a zoo. I tell you it was a little disconcerting to hear a different answer from everyone. The train driver (his trains sign), the conductor, the TTC guy on the platform and the PA system all providing contradictory information. Add confused, frustrated and angry riders. Quite a volatile combination.

There were a least three problems that I could identify.

1. Train switch problem (result of the construction detour) that slowed down and eventually caused a service disruption between Ossington and Broadview.

2. To few shuttle buses to accommodate the exodus of subway patrons (Six buses passed us before we were able to get on). Someone actually reached out and pushed my bum onto the bus - I kid you not. Thanks I think. Don't forget I still had the 'lost' guy with me (he was in front of me and not the 'pusher'). And finally our bus driver relied on her passengers for directions to Broadview station.

3. A near riot at Broadview station. There must have been seven fire trucks, who knows how many police cars, paramedics and of course the media. The queue of riders waiting to get back onto the subway platform was backed up to the collectors level. Congestion indeed.

I like to thank a sweet girl named Amanda for translating (Cantonese - made even more challenging because they did speak the same dialect) and making sure that 'Choosaun' reached his destination. I was really touched because I probably would have taken him myself if she hadn't offered. I hope you ace your accounting exam tomorrow Amanda. p.s. Take the street car...

Grumpy drivers

The King and Dundas streetcar drivers are cranky lately. Really cranky.

We have several options to catch the streetcar home each night.

1. Last northbound stop before the subway station
2. First southbound stop out of the station (after 6 PM only)
3. From the streetcar platform inside the station

I have a metro pass - so it's really all the same option.

Add a determined, hungry and possibly grumpy toddler. Suddenly the first available streetcar is most attractive.

I have my son walk up the street car steps as much as possible. Most drivers are very unhappy about this. They have even angrily said 'Carry him up!' .

Take tonight for example.

As we boarded (using option 1) the street car the driver actually exhaled air between his teeth (you know the sound when someone feels put out) and then he grunted when I showed him my pass. Lovely.

We took our seats and settled in for the ride home.

I can feel that someone is behind me. I turn slightly to verify that it is the driver. Yup, it's him - sour look intact.

"Exactly what are you doing?" he asks.

"We are headed southbound. It's OK I have a metropass." I reply.

"Actually I didn't see your pass when you got on." he challenges.

"No problem sir." I reach into my pocket and pull out my metropass.

"The car in front of me is leaving right away."

"That's fine. We'll read."

"Why are you doing this?" he asks.

"Because it's much easier for me with a toddler."

I don't understand his attitude and objection to us being on his streetcar.

I make every effort to be a polite as possible in front of my son. I want to set a good example. I don't want to be one of those "do as I say but not as I do" parents. Also he is a sponge. If I make one tiny slip up - he's sure to repeat whatever I said. He still says 'little bugger' and that was months ago.