'This is so embarrassing': TTC's 96-second tribute to Queen Elizabeth draws frustration, mockery from jaded riders
Toronto's transit operator will pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on Monday by temporarily pausing service in the city.
At 1 p.m. on Sept. 15, all subway trains, buses, streetcars and Wheel-Trans vehicles of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will stop for 96 seconds in a show of respect to the Queen, who died last Thursday at 96-years-old.
During that time, the TTC will also suspend subway station announcements and social media posts since that time will coincide with the British monarch's state funeral at London's Westminster Abbey.
As part of the @cityoftoronto National Day of Mourning events honouring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the #TTC will pause service for 96 seconds at 1 p.m. on Monday.
Learn more at https://t.co/e70DQvtQJF pic.twitter.com/aoiMy6Gbuy— TTC Media Relations 📰🚌🚋🚈 (@TTCNewsroom) September 14, 2022
"All service will resume immediately following the 96-second pause, the TTC said.
On top of the TTC's pause in service, the City of Toronto also announced that city ferries will pause for 96 seconds while also sounding their horns at the start and end of the tribute. The bell at Toronto's Old City Hall tower will also toll 96 times, once every minute starting at 1 p.m.
Earlier this week, the Government of Canada declared Sept. 19 a holiday for federal government employees. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also announced that people in the province would mark the occasion "as a provincial Day of Mourning in lieu of a provincial holiday."
On social media, people questioned the TTC's decision to carry out a moment of silence, with many voicing their concerns over the delay.
So you’re going to delay service for a minute and a half and cause ripple delays as a result? https://t.co/SJoOeGM2fF
— gills (@llamaqueen24) September 14, 2022
LOL I bet a lot of vehicles on the TTC pause for more than 96 seconds every single day https://t.co/yb8Vn9bl5D
— !PO! (@hungrypo) September 14, 2022
People who are ON THE BUS need to be getting somewhere. This is so embarrassing and ridiculous.
— is Pepsi ok? (@djwesallen) September 14, 2022
How will I be able to tell the difference from any other time a streetcar is just paused in the middle of the road for mysterious reasons
— Mikey says hey (@erlking) September 14, 2022
damn this would be the shortest delay in ttc history https://t.co/DXoWnDAKmv
— alex (@steven_lebron) September 14, 2022