I'm Considering Using One Of Their Competitors. Oh, Wait...

So, as previously mentioned in this fine space, two thirds of the JTC Executive (that's two out of the three of us) rely on the Toronto Transit Commission for our daily commute to and from our real jobs (apart from when Coco rides his girl's bike with the streamers on the handlebars in the summer).

Yesterday, the TTC raised their prices so that a single ride now costs $3. When the fare hike was announced back in November, shockingly it really didn't sit too well with a lot of peeps. You can see all the details of the new fare structure here.

In addition to enraging its clients, the TTC offers another service, where you can sign up to receive automated emails regarding delays throughout the transit system. I've enrolled in this program, and typically receive about half a dozen emails a week.

Since the fare hike occurred less than 48 hours ago, here's a run down of the emails I've received:

From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 3:35 PM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

Due to a smell of smoke at Eglinton Stn there is no service on the YUS line between Bloor and Lawrence Stns. Shuttle buses are running.

Last updated Jan 3, 2010 3:32 PM

Sent: 1/3/10 3:35 PM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 3:41 PM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

ALL CLEAR: The delay we were experiencing at Eglinton Stn has now cleared and full service on the Yonge University Spadina line has resumed.

Last updated Jan 3, 2010 3:36 PM

Sent: 1/3/10 3:40 PM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 6:30 PM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

Due to a smell of smoke at track level at Eglinton Stn there is no service on the Younge University Spadina line from Bloor to Lawrence Stns

Last updated Jan 3, 2010 6:29 PM

Sent: 1/3/10 6:30 PM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 6:42 PM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

ALL CLEAR: The delay we were experiencing at Eglinton Stn has now cleared and full service on the Yonge University Spadina line has resumed.

Last updated Jan 3, 2010 6:41 PM

Sent: 1/3/10 6:41 PM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 8:25 AM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

Weather related mechanical and signal issues are causing longer then normal wait times on the YUS and Bloor lines.

Last updated Jan 4, 2010 8:21 AM

Sent: 1/4/10 8:25 AM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:05 AM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

ALL CLEAR: the delays on the Yonge line and on the Bloor line have cleared and full service has resumed.

Last updated Jan 4, 2010 9:02 AM

Sent: 1/4/10 9:05 AM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:35 AM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

Mechanical issues are causing delays on the Yonge line from Finch to Eglinton station.

Last updated Jan 4, 2010 9:33 AM

Sent: 1/4/10 9:35 AM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:57 AM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

ALL CLEAR: The delay on the Yonge line has cleared and full service has resumed.

Last updated Jan 4, 2010 9:56 AM

Sent: 1/4/10 9:57 AM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 11:33 AM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

Due to a power off situation, there is no service on the Yonge line between Finch and Lawrence station.

Last updated Jan 4, 2010 11:31 AM

Sent: 1/4/10 11:32 AM


From: My TTC [mailto:TTC@myttce-alerts.com]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 12:01 PM
To: JohnnyM
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

ALL CLEAR: The delay on the Yonge line has cleared and full service has resumed.

Last updated Jan 4, 2010 11:58 AM

Sent: 1/4/10 12:00 PM


From: My TTC
To: JohnnyM
Sent: Mon Jan 04 19:01:07 2010
Subject: TTC Service Alert [System Notification]

Due to signal problems Eastbound at Donlands Stn there will be slower than normal service from Jane to Donlands Stns for approx one hour.

Last updated Jan 4, 2010 7:00 PM

With the possible exception of what I'm sure is a totally awesome new smoke machine at Eglinton station, it's a little hard to figure out what the revenue from the fare hike is being used for. I think my favourite from the list above is at 8:25am, during the morning rush hour today: "Weather related mechanical and signal issues are causing longer then normal wait times on the YUS and Bloor lines", which basically seems to be a short hand for saying, "Trying to get somewhere? Don't."

Bra-vo.