Few Torontonians lack a strong opinion on what’s right and wrong with the TTC, and now there’s a better way to make sure TTC brass know what separates a pleasant trip from a transit nightmare. Passengers can reach out to the TTC at the first of several town halls, to be held on November 24 at City Hall. There, passengers will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with TTC staff and Commissioners before asking questions and sharing experiences in a town hall format.

In addition, the TTC’s new Customer Liaison Panel will bring together TTC Commissioners, staff and eight riders to discuss ongoing customer service improvements. Those interested in speaking out should email clp@ttc.ca with an essay of 250 words or less describing their insight into TTC customer service and how they would help the TTC become more customer-centric.

Dufferin subway station, image by Craig White

While customer service improvements are welcome, these announcements have been made in the shadow of looming service cuts. While the details of the cuts are not yet available, they’re scheduled for implementation in early 2012. Cleaner stations and vehicles, friendlier staff and improved signage certainly goes a long way, but it remains to be seen if customer satisfaction can improve when buses and streetcars are set to become less frequent and more crowded.