The TTC’s bus simulator,with a nearly complete driver’s area mock-up
Early last week, the Toronto Transit Commission added a new link to its website, advertising two upcoming tours: the Operations Training Centre at the Hillcrest Complex on Bathurst, and the Lower Bay subway station. Apart from the link to the website (which I just happened to find), there was no other promotion. But by Thursday, both tours, which have a very limited number of participants (15 to 20 each), were full. I was joined by BlogTO’s Roger Cullman, whom I expect to post more (and better) photos over there.
The first tour, which took place Saturday, was of the TTC’s Operations Training Centre, where 12,000 employees, trainees, and outside workers – a year – are instructed by specialized training staff, many long-time veterans of the organization. Not only are vehicle operators trained, tested, and re-certified (in traditional classrooms as well as on equipment), but so are subway collectors (a fully functioning booth and gates are installed inside) maintenance workers, tradespeople, and contractors hired by the TTC for heavy construction and maintenance work.
The training centre’s waiting room
Even at 9AM on a Saturday, staff presenting were very friendly and open and proud of their work, something that I note at each of the TTC Doors Open events I have been on, such as Harvey Shops and Greenwood Yard Shops. Open houses and tours by both public and private organizations are great public relations tools, where the best in an organization are seen (in fact, there was a bit of a sales pitch to apply for positions, though it can take many months to even get hired as a trainee). It also makes one appreciate all the “behind the scenes” work that passengers usually never see.
These two initial tours are intended as the first of a series of small-group tours that will be offered throughout the year. These differ from Doors Open tours where there is some hands-on experience. On the first tour, each of the 15 participants were invited to try the sophisticated bus simulator, which includes impressive 360-degree mock-ups of an Orion VII low-floor bus, as well as Toronto emergency vehicles and the transfer level of St. Clair West Station. There is also a $15 fee for these small tours (children $5), the admission is intended to help offset the costs involved in running these.
I am hopeful that there will be the opportunity for many more people to be able to attend these tours, and with increased promotion as the TTC gains experience in running these programs.
