TTC
The TTC on April 24 requested a no-board report from the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development as part of ongoing collective bargaining with CUPE Local 2, representing the TTC’s approximately 700 skilled electrical workers.
“With Toronto preparing to host the world during the FIFA World Cup 2026, we are resolute in our commitment to ensure we’re doing everything possible to provide uninterrupted transit service for the millions of people in this City and Region who rely on us every day, and for everyone visiting for this prestigious event. Requesting a no-board report creates the structural foundation to reach an agreement before the event kicks off in Toronto on June 12,” TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali said in a statement.
“CUPE Local 2’s website indicates members have voted in favor of a strike mandate. Following this vote, the TTC decided that requesting the no-board report was the best way to encourage meaningful, good-faith negotiations. Neither the strike vote nor the application for a no-board report will have any impact on TTC service. Both are steps in the collective bargaining process and do not automatically lead to job action.
“After the Ministry issues a no-board report early next week, the earliest possible date for labor disruption would be the 17th day following the date of issuance.
“We remain fully committed to reaching a new collective agreement as we have been since January 2026, and we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to negotiate with CUPE, working to ensure we do not have a labor disruption. However, if required, we have robust contingency plans in place and are prepared to act.
“Any updates on bargaining and potential impacts to service will be communicated to customers and employees in due course,” Lali concluded.
Metra
Metra and Chicago Fire FC on April 23 announced a marketing partnership that will make Metra the Proud Transit Partner of the Club.
The two-and-a-half-year partnership deal calls for Metra brand integration during home matches at Soldier Field—including on LED signs, videoboards and televisions in concourses—pre-match activation opportunities, fan giveaways, cross-channel promotions, and collaboration with the Chicago Fire Foundation on a custom community initiative. Metra provides two Electric Line stops right near Soldier Field (Museum Campus/11th Street, 18th Street) and there are convenient CTA bus connections from Metra’s other downtown stations.

“With soccer and Chicago Fire FC growing more popular year after year, this partnership is sure to be mutually beneficial,” said Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski. “Metra gets exposure to the Fire’s fast-growing and diverse fan base and will serve riders and Chicago Fire FC supporters who want to show up for their team and their community.”
“Metra is a vital connector for our city and our fans, so this partnership reflects a natural alignment,” said Goyo Perez, Senior Vice President Corporate Partnerships at Chicago Fire FC. “With convenient access to Soldier Field, they’re making it easier for supporters across the region to be part of our matchday experience. Together, we share a commitment to bringing communities closer through both transportation and soccer.”
The partnership, Chicago Fire FC says, comes at an important summer for soccer and an exciting time for the Club, as last season it clinched its first playoff berth in eight years and recently broke ground on a $750 million privately funded stadium in South Loop, expected to open in 2028.
Metrolink
Metrolink announced April 27 that it will continue to operate on a reduced weekday schedule moving forward. On March 23, Metrolink decreased weekday service levels by 20% “to address reliability issues stemming from mechanical challenges and supply chain delays.” To minimize disruption to customers, the agency says it “prioritized preserving the highest-ridership trains and travel windows.” Originally, these changes were anticipated to remain in place for seven weeks but will now continue for the foreseeable future, Metrolink noted.
Metrolink says it will continue to operate at a 20% reduction in previous weekday service levels. The agency’s weekday ridership has “modestly decreased” by approximately 4% since the modified schedule went into effect, “demonstrating that many customers have adjusted their regular travel patterns,” Metrolink noted. “Maintaining a consistent, predictable timetable going forward will allow riders to plan with confidence.”
The change was initially introduced on March 23, 2026, as a temporary measure; however, Metrolink’s adjusted schedule will now remain in place until further notice.
Weekday reductions will continue on six of Metrolink’s seven lines, impacting riders in all six counties in which the agency operates; the Riverside Line and Arrow service remain unaffected by these changes.
Affected riders include those on the 91/Perris Valley, Antelope Valley, Inland Empire-Orange County, Orange County, San Bernardino, and Ventura County lines.
While Metrolink has made significant progress in working through mechanical challenges and a backlog of repairs, those issues have not yet been fully resolved, the agency noted. “Metrolink is also facing financial pressures that will affect the agency’s future ability to provide the level of service riders have become accustomed to. Keeping the current schedule in place will prevent repeated short-term changes that could create more uncertainty and frustration for customers,” the agency said.
More information is available here.
The post Transit Briefs: TTC, Metra, Metrolink appeared first on Railway Age.