Hydraulic Oil Spill Halts Western Line 2 Subway Service: TTC
Subway service on the western section of Line 2 has been restored after an extensive cleanup of a hydraulic oil spill. The incident caused significant delays as crews worked throughout Tuesday to resolve the issue. It occurred overnight, resulting in a notice issued by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) around 6:15 a.m., informing passengers of service disruptions between Keele and Kipling stations.
Details of the Hydraulic Oil Spill
The hydraulic oil spill originated from a maintenance vehicle near Old Mill station at approximately 2:45 a.m. While the exact quantity of oil released remains undisclosed, the TTC acted decisively by closing affected stations that do not permit trains to turn back.
Recovery Efforts
Maintenance crews engaged in a thorough cleanup, utilizing rags and other tools to eliminate the oil. Trains in the affected area have resumed operation but will initially run at reduced speeds as the service gradually normalizes.
TTC Response and Accountability
TTC CEO Mandeep Lali publicly apologized for the inconvenience faced by commuters. In a social media statement, he announced an “immediate and comprehensive review” to uncover the causes of the spill.
- Identify root causes of the incident.
- Implement corrective actions promptly.
- Ensure such spills do not recur in the future.
Historical Context
This incident is not isolated, as the TTC has encountered similar spills in recent years. A 2024 report attributed these events to faulty and aging equipment. The commission has accepted the recommended measures from that report, which included improvements in maintenance practices.
Call for Transparency
Transit advocacy group TTCRiders, represented by Executive Director Andrew Pulsifer, urged the TTC to be transparent about the progress of improving safety and maintenance protocols. He emphasized the need for answers regarding corrective actions taken by the transit agency.
Commuters deserve clarity on what steps the TTC is implementing to prevent future disruptions like the hydraulic oil spill that affected Line 2 service.
