TTC CEO Halts Work Car Fleet After Second Line 2 Fluid Spill

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has suspended its work car fleet following two hydraulic fluid leaks within a week. This decision stems from disruptions on Line 2, which affected subway service during peak hours. TTC CEO Mandeep Lali labeled these incidents as “unacceptable” failures in providing reliable transit.

TTC Work Car Fleet Suspension

The first leak occurred near Old Mill Station, causing a substantial disruption as trains had to avoid that stop for several hours. The second incident happened during overnight maintenance, when another work car leaked hydraulic fluid along the Bloor–Danforth line. This led to service interruptions between Ossington and Woodbine while crews undertook inspections and cleanups.

Immediate Actions Taken

• The work car fleet is suspended pending a full review.
• Inspections will cover all work vehicles to determine root causes of the leaks.
• Any affected vehicles will remain out of service until deemed safe.

CEO Lali emphasized the importance of preventing such incidents in the future. “Our focus is clear: prevent a recurrence,” he stated. In response to the latest spill, the TTC deployed multiple teams to address and clean the affected areas swiftly.

Safety and Reliability Concerns

The recent fluid leaks have raised significant questions about the reliability of the TTC’s aging maintenance fleet. The back-to-back incidents have drawn substantial criticism from riders who expressed their frustrations on social media. Many have pointed out the recurring issues with the TTC, undermining public confidence in the agency’s operations.

Review and Future Actions

In December 2024, the TTC board discussed repeated hydraulic oil spills and their operational risks. A report from this meeting included recommendations aimed at improving inspections and modernizing equipment to prevent future leaks. CEO Lali has promised transparency about the findings of the ongoing review and has stated the TTC will act with urgency to restore public confidence.

“Toronto should be able to count on the TTC to deliver safe, reliable service from the start of every day,” he concluded.