The final out of the World Series landed, a heartbreaking loss for the Blue Jays, and for tens of thousands of fans, the real ordeal was just beginning. They poured out of the stadium and Nathan Phillips Square, eager to get home, only to find a transit system seemingly determined to strand them.
While the game stretched into extra innings, a critical decision had already been made: the trains and buses would adhere to their scheduled, pre-game cut-off times. A tweet from the City of Toronto, issued while the game was still in progress, coldly reminded fans that “transit won’t wait!” – a tone-deaf message that ignited a firestorm of criticism.
The fallout was immediate and widespread. Families, including children and teenagers, were left facing long, expensive taxi rides or daunting walks home. Overwhelmed ride-sharing services surged with demand, leaving many with no viable option. The scene at the GO bus terminal was particularly grim, with security preventing access, effectively corralling stranded fans like livestock.
Initial responses from transit authorities were baffling. One TTC chair claimed their “plan worked,” attributing the chaos to a communication failure regarding the tweet. Others deflected blame, pointing fingers at other agencies. The narrative quickly became one of denial and deflection, rather than accountability.
The disconnect between those responsible for planning and the reality faced by fans was stark. Despite knowing the potential for a late game, the possibility of extra innings, and even a post-game celebration, no contingency plan was implemented. Extended service wasn’t authorized, and available resources weren’t deployed.
This wasn’t simply a logistical oversight; it was a failure of empathy and a disregard for public safety. Comparisons were drawn to the proactive measures taken for events like Taylor Swift concerts and New Year’s Eve, highlighting the perceived lack of importance given to the World Series – a moment of collective national passion.
The core issue isn’t about the transit workers themselves, who were thrust into an impossible situation. It’s about the leadership, the planning, and the fundamental understanding that public transit exists to *serve* the public, not the other way around. A sincere apology, from all involved – Metrolinx, the TTC, the City of Toronto, and the provincial government – is not just warranted, it’s essential.
With the World Cup of soccer on the horizon, the stakes are even higher. This incident serves as a stark warning: a commitment must be made, and demonstrably proven, that such a failure will never happen again. The time for excuses is over. The public deserves better.
