Rocket Talk: How Does the TTC Get Clean?

By Torontoist

Have questions about the TTC? Rocket Talk is a regular Torontoist column, featuring TTC Chair Adam Giambrone and Director of Communications Brad Ross’s answers to Torontoist readers’ questions. Submit your questions to [email protected]!

Photo by spotmaticfanatic from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.

Reader Stuart Stark asks:

Is there a reason why the walls in subway stations are never cleaned? An example would be York Mills station. A pressure washer would do wonders! I’m sure they would get dirty again, but c’mon, maybe twice a year give them a wash!

TTC Director of Communications Brad Ross says:

While errant newspapers, pop cans, and other litter can be found on TTC vehicles and in subway stations, most garbage makes its way into the various receptacles at every station—thanks to riders like you. Litter at subway stations that doesn’t find its way into receptacles, however, often finds its way down to the track, the cause of many delays that you have heard about—“smoke at track level.”
Cleaning subway walls in stations with centre platforms, such as at York Mills, can only be accomplished when the subway closes each night. Crews are assigned to manage that cleaning, but the priority right now is dealing with litter at track level so we can mitigate delays on the subway should that litter ignite.
The TTC embarked on a cleanliness audit in 2008 to accomplish several things, including: developing a rating system for how clean or dirty a station is; establishing cleanliness targets; measuring actual cleanliness and identifying gaps; and, finally, determining the resources needed to achieve those cleanliness targets. The audit looks at the state of cleanliness on platforms, escalators, elevators, stairs, railings, ceilings, walls, floors, and lighting.
The Downtown Yonge BIA conducted an independent audit of Queen, Dundas, and College stations in June last year and again in October. In June, they noted twelve deficiencies. When they returned in the fall, just one deficiency was identified. So, we are making progress.
TTC riders want their transit system to be efficient and reliable. But they also want it to be clean. The TTC is assigning worker crews to ensure stations are cleaned, walls washed—including grout—and litter collected. The TTC will continue to work hard at keeping up appearances.