Update (10:56am):
Although the subway was shut down for 45 minutes, visitors to the TTC's new (really expensive) web site would not have known because the service disruption read "There are no major disruptions at this time" for the duration of the service shutdown. A transit rider (and blogTO reader) has also told us that TTC an employee in a west end station wasn't able to confirm whether or not service was down or restored.

Following this morning's incident, I spoke with TTC spokesperson Brad Ross, who admits that there are deficiencies. "The TTC.ca web site is still relatively new, and there are still wrinkles to be sorted out," he explained, adding that effective and quick communication with riders is of utmost importance. He'll be discussing this technical glitch in a meeting with web/technical staff this afternoon.

When asked about how the TTC passes on information to employees in times of service disruption, Ross briefly explained the current, admittedly cumbersome method: when apprised of service disruption by transit control, a small team of supervisors must telephone all 69 stations to pass on the news to toll collectors. Addendum: In addition to attempts by supervisors to inform employees directly, all TTC staff are expected to listen to, and relay information from, publicly broadcast PA announcements that are made in all stations and on subways.

Update (8:03am):
Police are saying that a woman fell onto the tracks, and a train passed through (over her?!) without touching her. Count your lucky stars.

Update (7:43am):
Subway service has fully resumed, but figure in some extra time to account for the backlog.

Update (7:30am):
680news radio is reporting that a police investigation is underway at the Yonge/Bloor station.
Trains on the Bloor-Danforth line are skipping by the Yonge stop.

7:22am on Wednesday, September 17, 2008

"A section of the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway service is currently shut down from Union Station to Eglinton Station."

This includes service in both directions. Expect shuttle bus services to be in operation.

(Source)