Yesterday, amidst great controversy, the Toronto Transit Commission decided to fire Gary Webster, effective immediately and with no just cause. Today, Webster said goodbye to the transit service where he spent his career, with the following note:
NOTICE TO ALL TTC EMPLOYEES
Keep up the good work—and thank you
As many of you will now know, the Commission has decided to replace me as the TTC’s Chief General Manager.
I am proud to have been part of the TTC for almost 37 years, most recently as its CGM. Each day you and your colleagues provide excellent, safe and courteous service to our 1.6 million daily customers. People are passionate about public transit in Toronto; that healthy passion will continue as the TTC improves and expands. Toronto is blessed with an excellent transit system and I thank you for your hard work.
There are times when situations arise that are outside of our control. But the one thing we always have control over is how we respond to those situations. I ask that you respond to all of this by doing what you all do so well – by continuing your professionalism and delivering the safe, courteous service that our customers expect and deserve.
The Commission has asked Andy Byford to continue in his role as Chief Operating Officer, which includes the role of deputy CGM, while a search for a permanent Chief General Manager is undertaken. Please show Andy the same support you have shown me as he continues his excellent work around strengthening the TTC.
Thank you again for all of your support and the kind words so many of you have shared with me.
Gary Webster
UPDATE, 1:47 PM: A few minutes ago Webster’s interim replacement, Chief Operating Officer Andy Byford, sent out a note of his own… Read More…
For cyclists in Toronto, the future is a mixed bag. With the impending unveiling of the City’s new Multi-Use Trails Plan in March, Toronto could start accumulating new off-road bike paths at an unprecedented rate. But cycling advocates are worried that it won’t be enough to deliver an effective bike-lane network. Right now is the last window of opportunity for public input.
6:30 PM Of note: in the open mic meeting are Peter Milczyn and John Parker, two right-leaning councillors who have broken with Ford about transit issues. Anyone who calls this a meeting of downtown Pinkos isn’t doing a proper head count.
6:22 PM: @goldsbie: In the hall, Milczyn says to Royson [James, columnist for the Toronto Star: “This is your fault!” He’s heard this was in response to Royson’s column about the suppressed report.
6:13 PM The question of the hour: if city council cans the current TTC board and installs new Commission members, could that new TTC board re-hire Webster. Answer: procedurally yes (i.e. those commissioners would have the authority to do so), though in theory Webster’s settlement package could include a clause precluding this.
6:07 PM We stepped out for a bit as Webster gave a short statement. He too was diplomatic, and took no questions. “This is not how I expected this or wanted it to end…I am proud of the opportunity I have had to serve as chief general manager.” He thanks Torontonians for their support and says transit will still run tomorrow, as usual.
6:05 PM The first of the speakers at the open mic session: Allan, who deputes frequently at the TTC. He had a slidedeck in which he draws an analogy between Gary Webster and Galileo, who both got in trouble for saying true things public leaders didn’t want to hear. (The text in his slides was red for emphasis.)
5:57 PM Some updates from the past half hour. Stintz is currently running an informal open mic session in the overflow room, so that those who had registered to speak at the TTC meeting and other in attendance can still share their views on today’s decision. About six or seven have spoken so far, all opposed to firing Webster. In a scrum before the session she was very diplomatic, saying that while she opposed the decision it was the Commission’s decision to make. She also noted that the last search for a general manager took a year and a half, and produced no results. This isn’t an easy role to fill. When she came into the overflow room she sat down and introduced herself: “My name is Karen Stintz, and I am the chair of the TTC. For today.” Laughter.
5:21 PM VOTE ON MOTION TO FIRE WEBSTER: 5-4, same lines as the councillors who called the meeting. Read More…
ALL CLEAR: The delay both ways at College station has now cleared and full service has resumed on the Yonge University Spadina line. #TTC | 9:48 AM Feb 22
Trains are holding both ways at College Stn due to a power off situation. Response personnel on scene. Expected to clear in 10 mins. #TTC | 9:37 AM Feb 22
ALL CLEAR: The delay eastbound on Dundas at Sherbourne has now cleared and full service has resumed on the 505 Dundas Streetcar line. #TTC | 10:43 PM Feb 21
