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Toronto Transit Commission to Use Email, SMS for Subway Delay Alerts
The Toronto Transit Commission has begun utilizing email to notify riders of subway delays, and will soon introduce SMS alerts, the organization announced earlier this week. The new service allows passengers to register an email address at the TTC website and receive notifications when a delay of more than 15 minutes is expected. This will make it possible for riders to avoid long waits, and make alternate arrangements if their preferred route is disrupted.

According to the author 14 per cent of GO Trains were reported to be late, a two per cent increase from the year prior. Ryerson University student Melissa Wilson, 21, relies on the GO Train to get her to school in Toronto's downtown core from Burlington, Ont. "It's frustrating because I am paying a lot of money for school," she says. "I'm also paying a lot of money to the GO Trains in order to get to school on time." It's not only the GO Trains that are constantly plagued by delays but York Region's YRT system as well. Most of the YRT's bus lines are scheduled to run buses every 20 to 40 minutes, meaning a late or cancelled bus can have a rider waiting to upwards of an hour. At $3 a fare, the YRT is also the most expensive bus service (aside from GO Transit's buses) servicing the GTA. Despite the high costs, the system has yet to see any major improvements aside from the new paint job on most of their buses.
 * Transit delays can be costly**


 * References**

(Keshen, 2008) Alex Keshen 2008. Transit delays can be costly. Retrieved on March 1st, 2009 at: http://www.thestar.com/News/article/424304

(Teleclick.ca, 2006) Toronto Transit Commission to Use Email, SMS for Subway Delay Alerts. Telecommunication Industry news. Retrieved on March 1st, 2009 at: http://www.teleclick.ca/2009/01/toronto-transit-commission-to-use-email-sms-for-subway-delay-alerts/