No free TTC service for 2020’s New Year’s Eve amid pandemic

Subway trains line up in a TTC yard in Toronto on Thursday, April 23, 2020. TTC officials have said that they will lay off 1,200 workers temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO — The TTC will be breaking with tradition and will not be offering free service this New Year’s Eve.

In a message posted to social media, TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said the decision was made in order to discourage people from partying amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Given current restrictions, partying is not an appropriate thing to encourage,” he said on Twitter. “We hope everyone safely celebrates the end of 2020 by not gathering! Regular service will run.”

Toronto and Peel Region are currently under lockdown and residents have been urged not to gather with anyone outside of their households with the exceptions of work and school.

The lockdown measures, which include the closure of non-essential businesses, are active for 28-days and will either end or be extended on Dec. 21.

The TTC generally offers free evening and overnight service on New Year’s Eve in order to provide a safe way for Torontonians to travel while potentially impaired.

Metrolinx also said that they will not be offering free service on GO Transit and the UP Express for New Year’s Eve, saying the decision is meant to discourage non-essential travel during the holiday.

“Additionally, on New Year’s Eve, we will not be running extra late-night service on GO like we did in previous years and will run our regular weekday service,” a spokesperson said.

"As well, we want to remind everyone that face coverings are essential to keeping everyone safe and are mandatory on GO Transit and UP Express. Be sure to properly wear it so that it covers your nose, mouth and chin while in stations, on platforms and for your entire train or bus ride.”

GO Trains will run on regular weekday and weekend schedules throughout the holidays, with the exception of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, which will operate on a Sunday schedule.