A TTC subway operator is enjoying the limelight and feeling a deep sense of gratitude after he started sharing uplifting announcements over the PA system with riders. Alex Crawford, who goes by “Uncle Crawfy,” works on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth. For the past three months his quirky, insightful, and delightful announcements have been bringing joy to riders. Recently, riders have shared his announcements online, which are viewed by thousands. “It’s amazing,” said Crawford, holding back his emotions. “It’s a level of joy that I wasn’t expecting, nor did I think was possible.” People who ride the line subway regularly might catch Uncle Crawfy’s announcement by surprise, but they’ll have an even better chance hearing them Monday to Friday between Broadview and Ossington. “I don’t know what the technical terms for this is, but what you’re looking at is a beautiful day,” he announced on the subway Thursday afternoon while CTV News Toronto was on board. “Listen to me when I say; every little thing will be OK,” he said in another. Some days have a special theme. There are Toronto Transit Trivia Tuesdays, Welcoming Wednesdays, and Haiku Thursdays. But aside from all the fun, there’s a serious side behind what led to Crawford’s proclamations. After overcoming a relapse with alcohol, the 56-year-old returned to work. He said the announcements employ a similar technique to when he quit drinking initially in 2011. “What helped me maintain sobriety, find a new passion, a new joy, was the world of comedy, stand-up comedy, improv comedy. So this is an outlet stemming from all of that,” he said. Crawford recounted thinking about how to make the job more enjoyable and then realized he had the tools right in front of him. “I thought, well, I have a microphone right here. Maybe people will be interested and happy to hear that somebody is wishing them a good day.” For Crawford, the feedback from riders has been incredible. Riders are praising Uncle Crawfy, some even saying he should get a raise.
