Usually the TTC has great service. Sometimes streetcars come in bundles up Spadina. Sometimes trains are late, or have to stop mid-way up to Downsview and turn back ( which is a pain-in-the-ass). But overall, I would say I'm happy with the TTC. It takes me where I need to go.
However, a couple of things make me have to say the TTC is a strange organization. As this is the Xmas season it's not surprising that I find some stressed out employees, and riding companions. What sticks out is this:
An older ticket booth fellow at Spadina station says to me after I ask him how he's doing, " I don't like it at Spadina station." What am I supposed to do with this? Write a story? Feel bad for him making + $30 an hour to sit in a booth and make change?
I don't think the customer service effort is working, or will work unless the TTC management can get buy-in from their own employees. Something needs to happen to appeal to the people that use transit, and to those working on transit to make this public space better.
There are thousands of Torontonians who use this service. From a marketing perspective the abundance of demographics make this a golden opportunity for annoying and ubiquitous advertising. It would be smart to use the demographic opportunity to reach out better to Torontonians and make the service and space what it could be.