Poll: TTCu Community Tweet Attribution 11/18/09

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As I’m sure most of you are aware, @ttcu_community currently re-posts tweets using the #ttcu hashtag without attribution. That way, when @ve3xls posts something like “Quick St Clair update: NB–forget it, get a cab. SB–light crowds, only waiting 10 or so mins for a bus. #ttcu”, all of his update makes it through to the TTCu feed. This was, I felt, the best solution to an annoying technical limitation in Twitter.

However, it has been suggested to me that seeing who posted the information, with some of the tweet potentially being cut off, would be more useful. For example, a tweet from @ttcu_community might look like this: “@ve3xls: Quick St Clair update: NB–forget it, get a cab. SB–light crowds, only waiting…” Since Twitter automatically links usernames, you would be able to visit @ve3xls’ account to see the rest of the tweet.

So my question to you, the community, is which would you prefer? Do my favour and let me know using the comments on this entry and the poll below. Thanks!

An Apology 11/17/09

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In any person’s life, there comes a time (or several) where they must swallow their pride, admit they screwed up, and apologize. For me, this is one of those times. As I’m sure many of you are aware, in my zeal to report information about today’s TTC commission meeting, I “jumped the gun” and mis-reported information. Twice.

It was extremely confusing for many people and served to only muddle an already hectic situation. For that, I apologize. In trying to keep up with events happening during the meeting while at work, I relied too heavily on unconfirmed reports from people Twittering in council chambers. It won’t happen again. In the future, “real-time” reporting will come only from myself — from the scene, or from a trusted member of the TTCupdates community.

TTCupdates has become a trusted source of information for many. I hope, as the days go on, it can continue to be so.

@jkozuch and @tomcochrane deserve huge respect for setting me straight and providing accurate info. I am in their debt.

Poll: Impact of TTC Rider’s Strike 11/12/09

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What kind of impact do you think tomorrow’s “strike” will have on the decision to raise fares? Let everyone know by voting in the poll below. While you’re at it, use the comments on this post to elaborate on your vote!

Rider’s Strike: James Bow Editorial 11/11/09

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James Bow, author and urban planner, has posted a editorial on the Transit Toronto blog detailing his response to the upcoming rider’s strike.

Well, I didn’t organize it, and I won’t be participating in it (given that I now live in Kitchener, the point is rather moot), but I wish the organizers all success, because I understand their frustration. I don’t agree with their focus on the TTC as “the enemy”, so to speak, but I hope that their action will also send a message to the municipal and provincial politicians which control the TTC’s subsidy.

I encourage everyone to go read it. While you’re at it, check out Steve Munro’s take on the token hoarding issue.

November 11, 2009: Veterans Ride for Free 11/10/09

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Just a quick reminder that, in honor of Remembrance Day, decorated Canadian war and peacekeeping veterans will be permitted to ride the TTC for free on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Veterans are required to display service medals/ribbons. A companion may also ride for free.

A list of Remembrance Day ceremonies can be found on the City of Toronto website.