Transit Briefs: TTC, Metrolink, NCTD, SEPTA
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The TTC and ATU Local 113 have reached a tentative agreement that avoids a strike. Pictured during the June 7 announcement: TTC Chair Jamaal Myers (right) and TTC CEO Rick Leary. (TTC Photograph)
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113 avert a strike. Also, Southern California’s Metrolink approves a contract extension for CEO Darren Kettle; North County Transit District (NCTD) is launching first-mile/last-mile service for COASTER commuter rail riders; and Elavon will enable contactless fare payments for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) riders.
TTC
Late on June 6, a “tentative framework settlement” was reached between TTC and ATU Local 113, the Commission’s largest union partner representing operators, collectors, maintenance workers, station staff, and other frontline employees for buses, streetcars and subways.
TTC CEO Rick Leary release this statement on June 7:
“I am extremely pleased that we’ve been able to reach a tentative framework settlement with ATU Local 113, and avoid any job action and service disruptions.
“This is a fair settlement that is affordable for the TTC and respectful of the important work the 11,500 members of ATU Local 113 do every day to keep our system safe and our service reliable.
“As the settlement still needs to be ratified by the union membership and approved by TTC Board, we cannot share details at this time.
“I want to thank the TTC Board for its guidance and leadership as well as members of both bargaining teams for their hard work to reach this agreement without any negative impact on TTC customers.”
ATU Local 113 on June 7 issued the following statement via X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter:
ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred “said the issues went beyond wages, listing job security, benefits and ‘the integrity’ of the TTC network among what was at stake,” Global News reported June 7. “The union also said it wanted protections against contracting jobs out to third parties and from cross-boundary service getting handed over to other Greater Toronto Area transit operators.”
TTC and ATU Local bargaining teams have been working since January to reach a collective agreement, replacing the one that expired on March 31, 2024. A provincially appointed conciliator began work with the parties in April and issued a no-board report on May 21, kicking off a 17-day countdown to a potential labor disruption, such as a strike. In this case, it meant that as of June 7 at 12:01 a.m., members of ATU Local 113 could move forward with some form of labor disruption.
“No deal would have meant TTC workers taking part in the first strike since 2008, leaving commuters in the country’s most populous city stranded when they headed to work,” Global News reported.
“TTC workers in Toronto had been without the right to strike for more than a decade since a 2011 law was introduced designating them as an essential service. A 2023 court decision—backed up by an appeal court in May—threw out that law and gave TTC workers back their right to strike. In the run-up to Friday’s deadline, the union had said staff were setting up practice pickets to familiarize themselves again with going on strike. Roughly 1.3 million people use Toronto’s transit system every weekday.”
According to TTC, since January, it has successfully renewed agreements with three of six bargaining units—CUPE Local 5089 (Special Constables and Fare Inspectors), IAMAW Lodge 235 (millwrights, machinists, and other skilled shop employees) and CUPE Local 2 (electrical skilled trades).
Metrolink
Darren Kettle will continue as CEO of Metrolink—the 538-route mile, seven-line, 62-station regional/commuter rail network—through September 2029. Metrolink reported on June 6 that the agency and Kettle agreed to a five-year contract extension that was unanimously approved by the Board on May 24. The Metrolink Board also unanimously approved an annual base salary of $375,000 for Kettle, which is a 5.6% increase from his previous annual salary of $355,000.
“With Darren at the helm, Metrolink has transformed beyond its commuter rail roots into a more versatile and equitable service that better aligns with the needs of today’s public transportation customers,” Metrolink Board Chair and City of Highland Mayor Pro Tem Larry McCallon said. “We are confident that Darren’s strategic vision and oversight will position the agency for continued growth and success as Metrolink and our region prepare to host a series of high-profile events culminating with the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games in 2028. We’re thrilled that Darren has agreed to extend his tenure and lead Metrolink into the future.”
Kettle joined Metrolink in September 2021, following approximately 14 years of service as Executive Director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, one of five regional transportation agencies that comprise Southern California Regional Rail Authority, the joint powers authority that governs Metrolink.
Kettle succeeded Metrolink interim CEO Arnold Hackett, who had held the position since May 2021, when Stephanie Wiggins stepped down to become CEO of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
According to Metrolink, Kettle has been “the leading force behind Metrolink’s evolution from a commuter rail line to a robust regional connector with increased midday and evening service that have made Metrolink a better resource for leisure riders and workers with non-traditional schedules.” From the beginning of his tenure, Metrolink said, ridership has grown by 88% “while still trending toward pre-pandemic levels.”
Metrolink reported that Kettle has also overseen significant investment in its infrastructure, including state-of-good-repair rehabilitation and capital construction projects, the addition of five stations, and the 2022 launch of the nine-mile Arrow system, which runs three DMUs (Diesel Multiple Units) between San Bernardino and Redlands, Calif. “On multiple occasions, he has worked in concert with state and local officials to restore service along the coastal tracks near San Clemente after natural events obstructed the route,” Metrolink said. “He also worked collaboratively with the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to implement a reciprocal codeshare agreement along the Ventura County Line that provides more flexibility for passengers of both services.”
“It’s been my great privilege to serve Metrolink as CEO, and I’m grateful to the Metrolink Board of Directors for their continued trust and support,” Kettle said. “The 2028 Olympic Games have created a transformative opportunity to expand and improve our region’s public transportation system, and I’m thrilled that Metrolink—through the efforts of our incredible staff and in cooperation with our member agencies and transit partners—will play a critical role in LA28’s vision of a car-free event. I’m even more excited that the changes we are making to our system will benefit Southern Californians in the lead up to and well beyond the Olympics. I’m honored to continue the work and look forward to seeing Metrolink through its next chapters.”
NCTD
Starting June 10, NCTD will operate the COASTER Connection to provide first-mile/last-mile service for COASTER riders who disembark at the Sorrento Valley Station in San Diego. The 41-mile, eight-station Coaster line runs from Oceanside to downtown San Diego (see map below).
According to NCTD, Sorrento Valley and the surrounding area is the largest of 79 regional employment centers. There are more than 129,000 employees there and 57,000 residents. The Sorrento Valley COASTER Station is the third most utilized NCTD COASTER station, the agency noted.
Unlimited COASTER Connection trips are included with the COASTER regional or premium regional daily and monthly passes, with no additional cost, according to NCTD. For anyone without a COASTER pass or ticket, the fare is $5 one-way.
The COASTER Connection routes will include:
- NEW NCTD 471 serving Hologic, Dexcom, Google and business parks on Flanders Drive.
- NCTD 472 serving Sorrento Mesa and Vista Sorrento Parkway.
- NCTD 473 serving Carroll Canyon and include Morehouse Drive.
- NCTD 478 serving Torrey Pines.
- NCTD 479 servicing UC San Diego, University City and La Jolla Village Drive.
SEPTA
Atlanta, Ga.-based Elavon, a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank and among the largest payments processors, on June 6 reported teaming with SEPTA to offer contactless payment acceptance from any enabled card or mobile device across transit services.
Elavon’s Mass Transit Payment system is said to eliminate the need for terminal equipment and dedicated transit cards; to help streamline rider boarding; and to simplify transaction tracking and management via online bank accounts or monthly credit card statements, which gives transit agencies greater visibility into rider volume and its variability.
Visa Acceptance Platform serves as both the gateway and payment management platform for Mass Transit Payments, according to Elavon.
“With an average daily ridership of more than one-half million, SEPTA needed a payments partner equipped to make payments as convenient, efficient and modern as possible,” said Pari Sawant, Global Chief Product Officer at Elavon. “Elavon’s Mass Transit Payments will deliver on those needs by making riders transactions frictionless and secure, ensuring everyone can focus on getting where they need to go.”
“Contactless payments have helped shape the way consumers pay,” said Bill Dobbins, Senior Vice President, Head of North America Acquiring & Enablement at Visa. “Rather than standing in line to purchase or load a separate transit card, riders can save valuable time with this fast, easy, and secure way to pay. We’re excited that our partners at Elavon have leveraged Visa Acceptance Platform to enable contactless payments on SEPTA, enhancing the customer experience by empowering riders to tap their contactless cards or digital wallets—and pay for transit the same way they pay for other everyday essentials.”
SEPTA on Sept. 29, 2023, began rolling out contactless payment on its trolley, rapid transit and bus services. It followed a summer pilot program, in which nearly 300 people tested the technology that allows riders to tap using their credit and debit cards, or mobile payment apps, at turnstiles and fare boxes.
