 Rob Ford rides the Scarborough RT in February 2012. (JOE WARMINGTON/QMI Agency Files)
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TORONTO — Mayor Rob Ford allegedly drove past the open doors of a streetcar sparking a run-in with a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) worker, the transit union president said Friday.
Ford drove past the open rear doors of a streetcar on Wednesday, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 president Bob Kinnear said.
“My understanding is Mr. Ford did pass the open doors of a streetcar,” Kinnear said. “The operator counselled Mr. Ford on the serious safety violation and the potential danger of doing that. From there, my understanding is that Mayor Ford contacted the TTC.”
The TTC interviewed the employee and the employee was put back to work.
Kinnear said he didn’t know what time the alleged altercation occurred.
Rushing the doors of an open streetcar can lead to a traffic ticket.
It can get frustrating for operators to see cars rushing the doors of an open streetcar throughout the day, Kinnear said.
“It becomes very concerning for our passengers and the safety of our passengers,” he said. “We’re not opposed to our members advising the public of our rules in the interest of safety.”
But Kinnear added they don’t encourage operators to “interact with motorists” or leave the driver’s seat.
Kinnear said the mayor did roll down his window and “had some comments for the operator.”
“I don’t know specifically what those comments were,” he said.
The union boss said it’s not the first time Ford has complained about one of his members to TTC management.
“It’s not surprising,” he said.
The mayor’s office refused to confirm any details when contacted Thursday.
