The Toronto Transit Commission board has instructed the agency to cease its program of random drug and alcohol testing for employees, following a recommendation from an arbitrator. The directive was issued on Sunday, August 9, 2026, and applies to all TTC staff subject to the previous testing regime.
The board’s decision reflects compliance with the arbitrator’s advice, which called for an end to the random testing practice. The TTC had been conducting such tests as part of its internal policies, but the board now moves to discontinue the approach in line with the arbitrator’s recommendation.
By halting the random testing, the TTC will no longer administer unannounced drug and alcohol screenings to its workforce. The board’s order aligns the agency’s procedures with the arbitrator’s guidance, indicating a shift in how the commission will manage substance‑related concerns among its employees.
The change comes after the arbitrator’s assessment, which prompted the board to act. The TTC board’s directive signals the agency’s intention to adjust its internal oversight mechanisms regarding employee substance use, moving away from the random testing model that had been in place.
No further details on alternative measures or timelines were provided in the announcement. The board’s action marks a definitive end to the random testing program that had been part of the TTC’s operational framework.
The decision affects all TTC staff in Toronto, Ontario, and reflects the board’s commitment to follow the arbitrator’s recommendation regarding employee testing protocols.