Anindita Chatterjee
Updated on: October 8, 2024 11:08 am GMT
On September 6, 2024, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) announced the appointment of former Metrolinx executive Greg Percy as interim CEO during a city hall press conference. Percy, who has nearly four decades of experience in the transportation industry, will officially begin his role on September 9, after filling in the position left vacant by Rick Leary, who resigned on August 30. The TTC board chair, Jamaal Myers, emphasized that Percy brings exceptional leadership qualities and a profound understanding of the transit landscape in Toronto.
Greg Percy has a solid track record in the transit industry, having served as the Chief Operating Officer of Metrolinx from 2016 to 2019 and previously as the president of GO Transit in 2013. His contract as interim CEO is set for eight months, but he indicated that if his tenure proves successful, he may consider applying for the permanent CEO position, which the TTC plans to fill through an international search next year. “It is an audition, probation—you can label it any way you want,” Percy stated regarding his interim role, expressing a commitment to making a significant impact during his time.
Percy outlined his initial priorities for the interim position, focusing on enhancing safety and improving customer experience. In response to reporters, he reaffirmed his goal of being more than a caretaker. “If after my time here someone calls me a caretaker, I will be offended. It’s not in my DNA. I’m a doer,” he remarked. Additionally, he highlighted the urgent need for upgrades to the aging subway trains on Line 2, emphasizing the importance of asset investment.
Before transitioning to the TTC, Percy held the position of Executive Vice President at CAD Railway Industries, where he contributed to projects related to Metrolinx’s GO expansion. He acknowledged challenges related to public perceptions of Metrolinx following issues such as construction delays and reiterated the importance of collaboration between the TTC and Metrolinx to better serve transit needs in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, representing about 12,000 TTC workers, expressed optimism regarding Percy’s leadership. Union President Marvin Alfred stated, “The TTC needs a champion who understands public transit service and who will fight for it.” This sentiment aligns with Percy’s past experience and stated commitment to addressing the systemic challenges faced by the TTC.
Myers underlined the board’s desire for a leader capable of making impactful changes rather than maintaining the status quo during Percy’s interim tenure. He indicated that while the search for a permanent CEO is expected to be an involved process lasting several months, Percy’s ability to lead was evident during the interview process, affirming their confidence in him as a transitionary figure.
Percy is starting a new job with the TTC, and his main goal is to make things better right away. He will also help create a plan to tackle the problems that the transit system is facing. The TTC and everyone involved will be watching closely to see how well Percy’s ideas work in the next few months, especially when it comes to safety and improving technology for the city’s transit system.
