TTC enhancing accessibility with priority seating

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is enhancing accessibility with blue seats that clearly identify priority seating areas on its vehicles for persons with disabilities, the elderly and expectant mothers.

Blue priority seating, being introduced first on the TTC’s new articulated buses, will be expanded to all TTC vehicles over the next two years. Making the TTC more accessible is a 2014 Customer Charter commitment.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, all TTC vehicles are equipped with priority seating designated for use by a person with a disability or a physical limitation requiring priority seating. Customers who do not comply with priority seating signs voluntarily may be asked to give up their seat by the bus operator. Failure to comply may result in a fine of $235, plus applicable charges.

In addition to designated priority seating on vehicles, the TTC is making transit more accessible in 2014 by accommodating more Wheel-Trans trips — Wheel-Trans now operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week — implementing the support person’s identification card program, and introducing new low-floor streetcars, starting on Aug. 31.