Strike could disrupt transportation plans for Taylor Swift fans from Brampton

The head of the union that represents Brampton Transit workers says those heading into Toronto for Taylor Swift concerts should allow additional time to get to the Rogers Centre because of ongoing service disruptions caused by strike action.

Andrew Salabie, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1573 (ATU 1573), says that while transit workers “are trying their best to deliver reliable services.” the ongoing disruptions are having an impact on all transit services, including buses.

“These labour disruptions come at a time of increased traffic in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with many Brampton residents relying on transit to reach events such as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Toronto,” said Salabie in a released statement. “While ATU 1573 is doing everything in their power to minimize service interruptions, residents should allocate additional travel time to their commute or make alternative arrangements.”

The strike is being carried out by a different union (Canadian Union of Public Employees 831) but some transit workers have refused to cross picket lines at transit facilities in a show of support with their colleagues, leading to disruptions on routes.

Salabie said his union is in regular contact with the City of Brampton and has assured hat every effort is being made to work around the current situation

“We are working as hard as we can to help Bramptonians get to where they need to go amid these challenges” he said. “We recognize that the citizens of Brampton depend on reliable transit, and we are working hand-in-hand with the city to keep buses on the road and keep our community moving.”

As for Taylor Swift, thousands of Brampton residents are expected to attend one of her six shows in Toronto beginning on Nov. 14.

Salabie said those heading to the Rogers Centre from Brampton should “allocate additional travel time to their commute or make alternative arrangements.”