TTC adopts anti-racism strategy

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is working to address systemic racism within the transit system. At its most recent meeting, the TTC Board adopted the TTC Anti-Racism Strategy to promote inclusivity in its ridership and workforce. 

TTC notes the move was heavily influenced by feedback of members of Black, Indigenous and racialized communities from TTC's community base, aiming to prevent racial bias and racial profiling and enhance the TTC’s system-wide anti-racism approach. 

“The TTC’s commitment to anti-racism is not just a symbolic gesture but a concrete plan of action to create a more just and inclusive transit system,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “By centering the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, the TTC is taking proactive steps to dismantle systemic racism and build a more equitable future for all riders and fostering a transit system that is safe, welcoming and accessible to everyone.” 

There are seven strategic objectives and actions:

1. Adopt and implement a new Anti-Racism Policy across the TTC
2. Review and develop TTC policies through anti-racism analysis
3. Expand collaborative opportunities for anti-racism engagement and consultation
4. Build anti-racism accountability and transparency
5. Use disaggregated race-based data to inform decision-making
6. Embed anti-racism into people management
7. Build anti-racism awareness, understanding and competencies through knowledge-sharing and training 

The agency will also be publishing an annual measurement report to track progress on the objectives and outcomes of the Anti-Racism Strategy, providing stakeholders with incite on the effectiveness of this initiative. 

The Anti-Racism Strategy will undergo regular reviews every five years, informed by recommendations from an Anti-Racism Strategy Review Task Force. TTC notes the process will help to ensure the agency continues to adapt to the evolving needs and challenges related to racism and discrimination within the transit system. 

“There are very few organizations that touch the lives of as many people in Toronto as the TTC does – this is why it is so important to adopt this action-oriented approach that will steer the TTC along a path of anti-racism, belonging and inclusion,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “Everyone, in all of their unique diversity, belongs on TTC vehicles, on TTC property and in TTC workplaces. The Anti-Racism Strategy is a blueprint to create these welcoming spaces by taking action to eradicate racial discrimination and systemic barriers faced by customers, prospective riders and the broader community.”