Customer Service Advisory Panel presents its final report

Commissioners received a presentation from Steve O’Brien, Chair of the Customer Service Advisory Panel (CSAP), on the final recommendations in the volunteer group’s report entitled, Improving the TTC Experience: Laying the Tracks for a New Era of Customer Service.

The report includes 78 thorough observations and accompanying recommendations designed to help the TTC re-focus its efforts on customer service. Areas of study included communications, human resources, customer engagement and complaints and commendations.

Commissioners endorsed the recommendations in principle and directed the TTC Chief General Manager to begin the process of hiring a chief customer service officer, as well as report back on a move-forward implementation plan at the Sept. 30 Commission meeting.

Contract awarded for more Wheel-Trans Friendly Buses

Commissioners approved the award of a contract option worth $30.2 million to American Bus Product Inc. for the purchase of an additional 88 low-floor paratransit buses for delivery in 2011-2012. Wheel-Trans is scheduled to receive 48 Friendly buses in 2011 and the remaining 40 vehicles in 2012. Taking delivery on an accelerated schedule will result in a cost savings of $680,000. The Commission approved the initial order of 110 Friendly buses in 2008.

Artwork and finishes approved for two more stations on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension

Commissioners approved the art and finishes for both the York University and Vaughan Corporate Centre stations on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension:

York University Station

At York University, a public art selection process resulted in the selection of Jason Bruges as the public artist. Artwork is a series of glass panels on the east walls at the concourse and the smoke duct above the east train way. Mounted to the back of these panels are an array of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), which can dynamically vary in tone between black and white. The result is a huge electronic screen that is capable of showing images.

Vaughan Corporate Centre Station

At Vaughan Corporate Centre, a public process awarded the job to Paul Raff. Artwork is integrated into the domed ceiling of the entrance building in a collaborative effort by the artist and architect. The surface of the domed ceiling will be primarily a diffusion with some panels having a more reflective surface to provide a visual depth, optical richness and subtle shifts of reflection with movement. Within the dome is a collection of apertures with sloping sides culminating in a skylight providing views to the sky.