As a worker of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 and employee of the Toronto Transit Commission, the third-largest Transit system in North America; I demand a solution to the increased gridlock. Workers of ATU113, specifically bus operators are witnessing traffic congestion at levels not seen before and the subsequent schedule delays. As transit professionals, I want an effective and efficient transit system, one that has passengers commuting to their destinations promptly. It is no longer becoming reasonable for passengers to sit in traffic surrounded by vehicles with a single occupant. 

As bus operators, we are rewarded with overtime when we are late at the end of our shift; although similar to our passengers we just want to be home and spend time with our families. Simply getting out of the bus at the end terminus for a quick stretch, to use the washroom or have a bite to eat turns punitive when my bus becomes overcrowded and I'm overstretching an already limited schedule due to traffic congestion.

Traffic congestion is also an issue of public safety. On many occasions emergency services have been at a standstill, while on route to a call. 

It is, for this reason, I'm demanding bus priority lanes be installed on major routes with an escalated timeline. 

Bus priority lanes without enforcement will face limitations. As traffic congestion increases, motorists will take liberties with bus priority lanes; which in turn will defeat the purpose of this initiative. It is for this reason I'm  requesting Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) also be installed in all buses and utilized with an aggressive initiative of bus priority lanes. Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) is being used in New York City’s MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) with resounding success. 

If we are serious about limiting traffic congestion and providing efficient, quality transit, we must lead by example and create a transit system that compels  people to get out of their cars.