April TTC strike - What happens to our metropass?

[7jai]

*** UPDATE 04/28 ***

Citynews.ca just wrote in one of their aticles that "Metropass users will be reimbursed for the two days the TTC was shut down."

The article can be checked out here: http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22104.aspx

******************************************

So for those who subscribe to the montly April TTC metropass (or just buys it every month). What happens now? I have to purchase one no matter what for work, so if they decide to go on strike, do I get reimbursed in some fashion?

a bunch of crooks i'd say!

[Siefer999]

$4 refund per day that service is not running like last time?

[Frankie3s]

$4 refund per day that service is not running like last time?

The union's probably working on bringing this down to $0 with them still being paid during the strike of course. Miller's pro union so we'll be getting the rocket you know where when this is over.

Check out the city's new proposed scam...
http://www.torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/03/17/5026851-sun.html

[Octavius]

The union's probably working on bringing this down to $0 with them still being paid during the strike of course. Miller's pro union so we'll be getting the rocket you know where when this is over.

Check out the city's new proposed scam...
http://www.torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/03/17/5026851-sun.html

I pay $59.75 for a monthly bus pass in Ottawa - although you guys in Toronto have a much MUCH better transit system then us.

That being said, that mayor of yours is an idiot:

"The cost of Toronto's U-Pass, like those offered in other cities, would be tacked on to the tuition fees of every student and no student -- including those who drive, ride a bike or walk to school -- would be allowed to opt out."

Ingenious Idea :rolleyes:

[PrimoTurbo]

They need to hire better writers for the Toronto Sun, that article is poorly worded. The U-Pass is a horrible idea and I already buy a Metro pass and go to University full time.

There is no way they can ask people to pay an extra $500 a year if they don't use the service, it just makes no sense. They need to have an opt-out for people who don't want it or cancel it all together.

[Alvito]

I use the TTC to go to school, and I am against this. Why? It forces all students to buy the pass. Some won't even use it, some might be on residence already.

Just keep it the way it is.


And is this strike on for sure? If it is, I'm gonna need to car pool with a friend or two for the last 3 days of classes... then get rides to my exams.

[divx]

I use the TTC to go to school, and I am against this. Why? It forces all students to buy the pass. Some won't even use it, some might be on residence already.

Just keep it the way it is.


And is this strike on for sure? If it is, I'm gonna need to car pool with a friend or two for the last 3 days of classes... then get rides to my exams.

The U-pass is in effect at uw, I live cross the road from campus, but I'm not against the U-pass since it is heavily discounted and I now have the convenience to take the bus when I needed.

[twotterdhc6]

It's nothing new. There are similar programs already in effect at UTM (U-Pass for Mississauga Transit), and U of Waterloo (Grand River Transit). The cost is paid as student levy in their tuition.

If there is a majority of people who can actually benefit from this, then I don't mind subsidizing. (Qualifier: I am a student at Uof T myself)
It's just like paying for health care. I (fortunately) haven't even visited a hospital in 10+ years, but I'm still subsidizing for the system.

[Frankie3s]

Pretty soon they'll be levying an MP3 charge against tuition as well. What the Heck?

[nickia]

It's nothing new. There are similar programs already in effect at UTM (U-Pass for Mississauga Transit), and U of Waterloo (Grand River Transit). The cost is paid as student levy in their tuition.

If there is a majority of people who can actually benefit from this, then I don't mind subsidizing. (Qualifier: I am a student at Uof T myself)
It's just like paying for health care. I (fortunately) haven't even visited a hospital in 10+ years, but I'm still subsidizing for the system.

Same with Queen's University and St.Lawrence college at Kingston

[Hairball]

Same with Queen's University and St.Lawrence college at Kingston

The only difference is that in Kingston it's $50 a year compared to $500 a year to what students in Toronto will pay.

[express.items]

... will there be a ttc strike?

[divx]

The only difference is that in Kingston it's $50 a year compared to $500 a year to what students in Toronto will pay.

Another difference is TTC is infinitely more useful than small municipal transit system. You pay for what you get.

[AL3X]

It's forces at around 88 dollars per term (I believe) at UBC or SFU in Vancouver. The system here is fair enough, and I love the fact that we get it. Only the students with cars don't use it I suppose.

[Bazooka Joe]

Same with Queen's University and St.Lawrence college at Kingston

The only difference is that in Kingston it's $50 a year compared to $500 a year to what students in Toronto will pay.

When I was there (many moons ago) it was only $32/year for the student bus fee. I got my money's worth the first year when I had a gf on west campus, and I'm betting lots of other people did too. Busses to the Cat center and Kingston mall were just bonus.

$4 a month isn't excessive for a bus pass IMO, not at all the same thing like what UofT is considering.

[a_y3n]

... will there be a ttc strike?

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_20486.aspx
http://www.torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/03/10/4964316.html

[Evil Baby]

Not that this has anything to do with the OP's subject but I love the idea of the Upass, however I think every student in Ontario should have to pay a lump sum and then there student card would be good on any system in Ontario.

Or roll out the samething for everybody who has a licens. Nothing like encouraging public transportation if pretty much everybody in Ontario over the age of 16 can hop on any bus in Ontario.

[FearSonic]

A lot of people at UTSC are pissed about the U-Pass, especially the management students who drive. I bus to school everyday and I can see where they are coming from, we pay $11k a year in tuition as it is, we don't need another $500 tacked on.

[Evil Baby]

A lot of people at UTSC are pissed about the U-Pass, especially the management students who drive. I bus to school everyday and I can see where they are coming from, we pay $11k a year in tuition as it is, we don't need another $500 tacked on.

they'll save the money from gas and parking if they bus it. They can go get drunk and have no excuse for driving home drunk. I'd rather be subsidising a bus pass then welfare.

The only exception I could see, is for people who live outside the GTA.


edit: that being said I can understand why people would be upset.

[7jaii]

The only exception I could see, is for people who live outside the GTA.

Nobody, not even David Miller & TTC staff would take the bus from UTS to UTM because it's horrible. Communiting is bad, I hate it. But riding transit across town is worse than having teeth pulled.

Just subsidize Student Metropass and leave others alone. T.O. universities & colleges have been asking this since I was in highschool!

[express.items]

Nobody, not even David Miller & TTC staff would take the bus from UTS to UTM because it's horrible. Communiting is bad, I hate it. But riding transit across town is worse than having teeth pulled.

Just subsidize Student Metropass and leave others alone. T.O. universities & colleges have been asking this since I was in highschool!

+1

While I commute to school, so I guess I would be in favour of a U-pass, I think it's a stupid idea... well I guess the TTC makes more out of it. All those people that drive, can't opt out. How stupid is that?! Commuting sucks, yes it's cheaper, but it's horrible. Run the TTC more efficiently, then maybe more people will take it... people choose to spend more and drive since the TTC is so horrible. It doesn't need more promotion of public transit.

[HBP]

Another difference is TTC is infinitely more useful than small municipal transit system. You pay for what you get.

Sure, but the people on residence and the people who have other means to get to school are not getting anything.

Maybe we should have all students pay to park downtown, that way my fees would be lower. I mean... they're great facilities... they're paying for what they get (no matter if they don't have a car).

[7jai]

$4 refund per day that service is not running like last time?

so how exaclty does that work? I wasn't around for the last one. If you paid 87 dollars for yours (university discount), would you still get the $4/day? do they mail everyone a cheque? or do you have to go in and ask for the cash?

[tinlunlau]

If only public transportation in Toronto was alot like Hong Kong...
*sigh*

[GangStarr]

I am in favor of the U pass. First of all, its bs that students don't already get discounts. TTC has realized university students are their biggest customers and will continue to exploit them. Yeah someone whos studying should pay the same price as someone who works downtown and lives in the burbs... so inconsiderate of TTC.

As for the people who won't take advantage of the pass, unless they are non transferable you can sell them right here on RFD. I know I'd buy one. For those living near their campus, its Toronto. You'll find an excuse to hop on a street car or a subway a few stops. Having a metropass in your wallet is handy.

All those who are claiming "ohh we commute, we drive", just because your in a position where you can mooch a car/insurance/gas off your parents doesn't mean you shouldn't have to pay into the U-pass. Perhaps now you will just drive to a TTC parking lot and start taking the subway. For those who complain that the commute with TTC takes too long, perhaps you should have though about that before living with your parents in the boring suburbs and commuting to downtown daily. Ever think of blaming your parents for moving you to the middle of butt f*ck no where?

The U pass actually has some use. Why not look at all the BS fees most people pay into their university. Seriously go take a look.

If the pass was transferable I really don't think its bad.

Currently you need to travel 6x 2-way tickets (a week per month) to justify the cost of the metropass. Its not always that easy to pay off, and I for one think that a metropass should only require 5x 2-way (a week per month) tickets to justify the cost.

[divx]

Not that this has anything to do with the OP's subject but I love the idea of the Upass, however I think every student in Ontario should have to pay a lump sum and then there student card would be good on any system in Ontario.

Or roll out the samething for everybody who has a licens. Nothing like encouraging public transportation if pretty much everybody in Ontario over the age of 16 can hop on any bus in Ontario.

Bad idea, paying the same price for different level of service. TTC offer better transit service (despite its problems) than small municipalities.

[ShadowVlican]

i personally would benefit from the Upass

but i know many who won't

can't please everyone...

[express.items]

I am in favor of the U pass. First of all, its bs that students don't already get discounts. TTC has realized university students are their biggest customers and will continue to exploit them. Yeah someone whos studying should pay the same price as someone who works downtown and lives in the burbs... so inconsiderate of TTC.

As for the people who won't take advantage of the pass, unless they are non transferable you can sell them right here on RFD. I know I'd buy one. For those living near their campus, its Toronto. You'll find an excuse to hop on a street car or a subway a few stops. Having a metropass in your wallet is handy.

All those who are claiming "ohh we commute, we drive", just because your in a position where you can mooch a car/insurance/gas off your parents doesn't mean you shouldn't have to pay into the U-pass. Perhaps now you will just drive to a TTC parking lot and start taking the subway. For those who complain that the commute with TTC takes too long, perhaps you should have though about that before living with your parents in the boring suburbs and commuting to downtown daily. Ever think of blaming your parents for moving you to the middle of butt f*ck no where?

The U pass actually has some use. Why not look at all the BS fees most people pay into their university. Seriously go take a look.

If the pass was transferable I really don't think its bad.

Currently you need to travel 6x 2-way tickets (a week per month) to justify the cost of the metropass. Its not always that easy to pay off, and I for one think that a metropass should only require 5x 2-way (a week per month) tickets to justify the cost.

Whoa... chill there dude. Don't get me wrong, I'm in favour of the U-Pass too (to some extent). My institution is stupid and is not even thinking about the idea... also they charge $96 for the metropass when UTSC only pays $87. Yes, I know it's still discounted from the regular $106 or whatever, but that's stupid to have other institutions selling it cheaper ... I just get it from the city, but that's another thing.

With regards to the U-Pass, afaik, it is NOT transferable, and would be bundled with your student card. In that, rather than showing a metropass or ticket, you show your student card.

Just cause you don't get the luxury to drive (myself included), doesn't mean you should yell at the people that do. Why should they be forced to contribute to the U-pass? I agree there are all these random fees included in tuition, but that's another debate. Whenever they drive, they pay for parking (aside from the other costs... car/insurance/gas). Now, if you have them driving to the TTC station and subwaying, then the lot would get packed (it already is...) On top of that, what about institutions that aren't on the subway line (UTSC, Centennial College, Seneca College, etc.)

I think the U-pass should allow opt outs, for those that don't take the TTC... what about those on residence, that can walk to school? Perhaps, instead of opting out, free parking will be applied to those that don't take the TTC. Of course they'll need a way to identify and differentiate for TTC purposes. Does the U-pass cover YRT/sauga/etc. as well? I'm sure some UTSC students travel from outside the TTC system.

If you really think about it, the U-pass favours the TTC. It may seem cheaper... $60 (a savings of $27-$40+). But think about it...

2 students, $60 U-pass, 1 takes TTC, 1 doesn't
2 x $60 = $120 revenue for TTC
But only one user of the TTC. So effectively, the TTC is getting $120 for one person... more than the regular cost of an adult metropass.

i personally would benefit from the Upass

but i know many who won't

can't please everyone...

+1

They should implement it, and have an opt-out program.

[cache]

ttc strike in effect! :mad: :mad:

this vandal sums it up best: "If you want $30/hr," reads the blue spray paint, "go to university." -- http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418782

So for those who subscribe to the montly April TTC metropass (or just buys it every month). What happens now? I have to purchase one no matter what for work, so if they decide to go on strike, do I get reimbursed in some fashion?

a bunch of crooks i'd say!

anyway, to answer 7jai's question on refund, "for customers who purchased an April Metropass, Weekly Pass or GTA Pass, credit adjustments will be announced when the strike is over." -- http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/strike2008_faq.html


As for the people who won't take advantage of the pass, unless they are non transferable you can sell them right here on RFD.

"the U-pass would not be transferable, and so would include a photo, your name and school... meaning you can’t loan it or sell it to your friends." -- http://www.u-pass.ca/index.php?section_id=8

[Mr._Hankey]

Kinnear and his flock of vandals should be publicly lynched.
Enough is enough. The union must be dismantled and the insane waste of our hard earned cash on their overpaid workers must be stopped. If the TTC and the mafioso mayor cannot stop this anarchy, it's time for the commuters to act and make them sorry for screwing us up whenever they feel themselves bossy.

[cache]

it's time for the commuters to act and make them sorry for screwing us up whenever they feel themselves bossy.

fine. but how do you propose we do this?

[Mr._Hankey]

fine. but how do you propose we do this?

Organize a big group of people outside their offices at 812 Wilson Avenue, bust inside and stay there halting all their activity until he and his board members resign. The moment he feels the amount of public hatred directed at him he will not be able to remain in control, fearing for his life and for those around him. He will resign and any future TTC union president, if any, will know that by calling a strike he/she would have to deal with the angry mob, not the TTC.

[cmackie]

Yup this blows. Ideally, you should be able to show you don't support their actions by making use of an alternative. For a huge number of people who rely on transit, there really is no other option aside from carpooling, which becomes a nightmare with the increased traffic.

Time to get this teleporter machine on the market.

[Homer88]

We get seven dollars back according to Adam. Pretty good for the people who weren't affected by the strike :lol: .

[kiasu]

We get seven dollars back according to Adam. Pretty good for the people who weren't affected by the strike :lol: .

how? any link or info?

[Homer88]

how? any link or info?

It was on CP24, maybe it'll be on the site soon.

[7jai]

holy 7 bucks? thast a pretty sweet deal HAHa :) alrite im happy again :)

where do we pick up our 7 bucks? :)

[cmge]

holy 7 bucks? thast a pretty sweet deal HAHa :) alrite im happy again :)

where do we pick up our 7 bucks? :)

+1

[terryhuang]

Ahhg... what happens to the people who had to pay $30 for taxis? Or people who couldn't get to work?

They don't get compensated -_-

[AcidBomber]

holy 7 bucks? thast a pretty sweet deal HAHa :) alrite im happy again :)

where do we pick up our 7 bucks? :)


Where did you see that?! :-0

[7jai]

Where did you see that?! :-0

read a few posts above mine :)

[AcidBomber]

read a few posts above mine :)

Oh i see thanks... i thought it was posted on their site... but it's not. =(

[Cruel_Angel]

does this cover the GTA pass as well??

[7jai]

Citynews.ca just wrote on their article that "Metropass users will be reimbursed for the two days the TTC was shut down."

This article can be found here --> http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22104.aspx

[Homer88]

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22104.aspx

Metropass users will be reimbursed for the two days the TTC was shut down.

Except Adam Giambrone said it's gonna be 3.50 a day.

[7jai]

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22104.aspx



Except Adam Giambrone said it's gonna be 3.50 a day.

haha only 1 min after my posting :) good job homers

[woodstock827]

so how do we get this reimbursement?? just line up at the ticket counter??

[Horndogg]

I heard something funny on the news last night about the strike.
Do you know what TTC stands for? TAKE THE CAR!

[Homer88]

haha only 1 min after my posting :) good job homers

D'oh! I swear your post wasn't there when I posted =P

[little-fish]

We get seven dollars back according to Adam. Pretty good for the people who weren't affected by the strike :lol: .

Does anyone realize that the reimbursement actually come from all tax payer's pocket?
The union has nothing to lose, its not like coming out from their pay cheque. btw, the union still got pay 100% for the 2 days on strike, while we got only $7 from our own pockets.:mad: See who's smiling..

The reason that they all back to work now is because they are afraid of losing $2000/day from their OWN pocket! if they do not wish return to work after the order has issued.

[Psubs]

so how do we get this reimbursement?? just line up at the ticket counter??

Ya, WTF?!?!?!?

[7jai]

Does anyone realize that the reimbursement actually come from all tax payer's pocket?
The union has nothing to lose, its not like coming out from their pay cheque. btw, the union still got pay 100% for the 2 days on strike, while we got only $7 from our own pockets.:mad: See who's smiling..

The reason that they all back to work now is because they are afraid of losing $2000/day from their OWN pocket! if they do not wish return to work after the order has issued.

would u rather get $7, or $0? pick one :)

[gman]

Does anyone realize that the reimbursement actually come from all tax payer's pocket?
The union has nothing to lose, its not like coming out from their pay cheque. btw, the union still got pay 100% for the 2 days on strike, while we got only $7 from our own pockets.:mad: See who's smiling..

The reason that they all back to work now is because they are afraid of losing $2000/day from their OWN pocket! if they do not wish return to work after the order has issued.

TTC (as a company) also did not spend much in that 2 days in terms of electricity, salary, fuel. Since TTC lose money everyday, not operating for 2 days means they 'earn' money.

[Jon Lai]

I hope the $3.50x2 comes from the pockets of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 and not the city of Toronto.

BTW, take a look at this: http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/419068
Kudos to Ian. Hope he wins, and I suggest everyone else to sue 113 at small claims as well. :) Hey, small claims costs $10, but you get tons of media coverage.

[little-fish]

would u rather get $7, or $0? pick one :)

I, like others, rather get the "services" which we've paid for.

I hope the $3.50x2 comes from the pockets of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 and not the city of Toronto.

BTW, take a look at this: http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/419068
Kudos to Ian. Hope he wins, and I suggest everyone else to sue 113 at small claims as well. :) Hey, small claims costs $10, but you get tons of media coverage.

LOL, interesting story, are you gonna file a claim too?
I wonder how did they come up with the figure $3.5? (109/30?) but was $4/day from last strike.
Funny that they seek wage increase in order to keep up with the inflation. Should'nt they done the same with the reimbursement? haha its not gonna happen

[wasserkool]

$7 is nothing for those people who need to shell out hundreds of bucks for taxi rides. Guess what, not all of those people have high disposable income and that taxi fare is sure going to put a dent in their monthly expense. I think the union should reimburse their taxi fare.

[rdtx2002]

any updated news on that 7 bucks?

[YYZFA]

I hope the $3.50x2 comes from the pockets of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 and not the city of Toronto.

BTW, take a look at this: http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/419068
Kudos to Ian. Hope he wins, and I suggest everyone else to sue 113 at small claims as well. :) Hey, small claims costs $10, but you get tons of media coverage.

How could he possibly win? What contract did the union break with him? The union had a contract to provide services to their employee (the TTC). That contract expired, and they were no longer required to provide their services. This whiner had a contract with the TTC, not the union. From a legal perspective, the TTC failed to provide the services it agreed to when the customer bought his metropass. For restitution, the TTC will be compensating him for his losses: 7 bucks. "Ian" is just trying to look like a poor victim, and be a hero to the lynch mob types. He's just wasting his time. I can't even imagine a judge allowing this frivolous lawsuit to go ahead. I don't even think the union will even need to send a lawyer.

[nano]

Does anyone realize that the reimbursement actually come from all tax payer's pocket?
The union has nothing to lose, its not like coming out from their pay cheque. btw, the union still got pay 100% for the 2 days on strike, while we got only $7 from our own pockets.:mad: See who's smiling..

The reason that they all back to work now is because they are afraid of losing $2000/day from their OWN pocket! if they do not wish return to work after the order has issued.

if your on strike you dont get paid...

[Tekkan]

The part about metropass holders being reimbursed seems to have disappeared from the linked article.

[Bell Rep]

The part about metropass holders being reimbursed seems to have disappeared from the linked article.

I guess we aint getting anything

[alanbrenton]

The part about metropass holders being reimbursed seems to have disappeared from the linked article.

It also disappeared from the TTC website while the strike was on going.