TTC and Metrolinx promise to do better after World Series Game 7 transit options fall short

TTC Chair Jamaal Myers says the transit agency’s service was ‘strong’ the night of Game 7 of the World Series, but acknowledged communication could have been im

The TTC board has unanimously passed a motion to establish “predictable late night transit service” for major special events following a backlash around the city’s plan for getting people home after the World Series finale Saturday night.

“I hear the frustration in terms of coming through for customers and for anyone that was delayed, yes, I apologize. I’m accountable. I take that on board,” TTC CEO Mandeep Lali told reporters Monday. “No skirting around the issues there. If there’s issues for TTC in terms of communication, I take it on board. I will address it and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

In a post on X about 10 minutes before Game 7 ended in the 11^th inning Saturday, the City of Toronto told fans transit “won’t wait,” despite the historic World Series finale game running late.

The game ended around 12:20 a.m. and the TTC told customers the last train would leave around 1:30 a.m. The last train on several GO Transit lines left Union around 1 a.m. as well.

The post garnered plenty of backlash, with many people saying the city should have been better prepared to deal with a busy night in the city for Game 7 of the World Series, especially given that one of the games earlier in the week only finished hours late at around 3 a.m.

Speaking with reporters ahead of the TTC Board meeting Monday, TTC Chair Jamaal Myers said the city did have a contingency plan for running late service, but they didn’t activate it because the game didn’t finish late enough. That plan also wasn’t communicated to the public in advance, with the TTC saying before the game that transit would end by 1:30 a.m.

“Overall, the TTC service that night was strong with minimal disruptions. 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,” Myers said. “The TTC deeply apologizes for this mistake.”

TTC, Metrolinx point fingers

Metrolinx also received lots of backlash for not extending GO and UP Express service, with customers saying they faced overcrowded platforms and a lack of service when trying to get home.

The regional transit agency said Sunday said it was unable to run trains late because of track ownership issues.

Myers acknowledged that the city could have worked better with Metrolinx to make sure people had a way to get home, as they do for events like Nuit Blanche and New Year’s Eve.

“We do know how to work collaboratively. Unfortunately, that did not happen with this event,” he said.

But Metrolinx said in an updated statement Monday that it is “in constant communication with the TTC at all times but especially when major events are held in the city.”

The agency said that included being part of communication and operational working groups for Blue Jays playoff games that were attended by representatives from the city, the TTC and others.

“To suggest there is a disconnect in our communication or partnership with the TTC is deeply misleading,” the regional transit agency said in a statement.

Metrolinx said it did add additional service and held trains “as long as operationally possible” to ensure they left at full capacity.

“We understand that this was a challenging and frustrating weekend for everyone. We always learn lessons from historic events like this one – and we will apply them moving forward,” Metrolinx said. “But speculation and finger pointing are not the way to build public confidence on our regional transit system.”

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria told reporters at Queen’s Park Monday that some GO trains only completed their routes after 3 a.m.

“We held trains specifically so every single train departed at full capacity. That’s just one part of the system. The TTC is also responsible for their operational perspective,” Sarkaria said.

He acknowledged “we’ve definitely got to continue to work to see how we can improve that.”

In a statement, Mayor Olivia Chow’s office said she “believes TTC service should be extended after major events so riders can get home safely and conveniently” and referred questions about GO and UP Express service to Metrolinx.

‘Communications missed the mark’

Myers’ motion at today’s TTC Board meeting, supported by Mayor Olivia Chow and Coun. Josh Matlow, passed unanimously.

“The availability and communication of late-night service on all public transit options after Game 7 of the World Series did not meet expectations for some of the fans who were trying to get home. We can do better,” it read.

It added that when moving large volumes of riders in a single night, “communication is critical” for success.

“This weekend’s communications missed the mark of being clear and accountable to transit riders. As we plan for future major special events, we also need to make sure that the TTC’s communications plan helps get Toronto moving instead of creating confusion.”

Speaking with reporters, Matlow said Toronto needs to behave like a “world-class city” if it wants to think of itself as such.

Did you have trouble getting home on transit after the World Series finale Saturday night. If so, what other arrangements did you make? Did you find service levels adequate or were you surprised to discover limited options? If so, we want to hear from you.

Email us at [e-mail] with your name, general location and phone number in case we want to follow up. Your comments may be used in a CP24 or CTV News story.