TTC defends service levels, backlash after World Series Game 7

The TTC is defending itself against the backlash it received after transit users struggled to get home after Game 7 of the World Series.

The transit service and the City of Toronto faced criticism after the TTC posted a reminder on social media before the game, saying subways would stop after 1:30 a.m.

Shortly after midnight, the city reposted the same post to remind customers that “transit won’t wait,” and the last GO train from Union Station would be leaving “soon” despite the game running late.

TTC board chair Jamaal Myers said Monday that the TTC post was “an erroneous tweet,” and the agency is investigating how this mistake happened.

“Unfortunately, that night a TTC communication suggesting that subway service would end at 1:30 a.m. was posted to the TTC social media, which was amplified by the city's social media, leading to confusion to our customers. The TTC deeply apologizes for this mistake,” said Myers at a media availability ahead of the TTC board meeting Monday. 

Social media videos showed fans waiting in stations and facing overcrowded platforms after Game 7. Some users criticized the decision, calling it poor planning, and saying that service should have been extended due to the size of the event. 

Myers said despite the social media posts, no one was left stranded by the TTC. 

“I can't comment on the service provided by other transit agencies, but no one, to my knowledge, was left stranded by the TTC. We ran our service the way we had planned and the service went well,” he said.

The Saturday game wrapped up shortly after 12 a.m. in a heartbreaking loss for the Blue Jays. About 40,000 people packed the sold-out Rogers Centre and watch parties were hosted across the city. 

The TTC ran additional trains on Lines 1 and 2, with the last trains leaving Union Station at approximately 1:45 a.m. and on Line 2 at 1:55 a.m., said Myers. 

Blue night buses and most downtown streetcars routes also operated overnight as usual, he added. 

“Overall, the TTC service that night was strong with minimal disruptions,” said Myers. 

He said the TTC was prepared to continue running subway service if the game went into overtime, but that plan was never activated since it did not run past normal time.

TTC CEO Mandeep Lali put out a response on social media Sunday afternoon, saying he was aware of social media complaints about GO and UP Express service at Union Station, but Metrolinx operates those services, not the TTC.