As Canada mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II during the National Day of Mourning, Monday, September 19, some local transit agencies are “stopping and staying” — pausing — all vehicles for 96 seconds at 1 p.m.
According to the TTC, all subway trains will pause at station platforms. Bus and streetcar operators will stop their vehicles at regular service stops before 1 p.m. and remain there until the moment of silence has concluded. Wheel-Trans vehicles stop at a safe location. The TTC will also suspend subway station announcements and social media posts during this time, part of the City of Toronto’s co-ordinated tribute to Her Majesty on the day of her funeral.
This pause coincides with the Government of Ontario’s moment of silence after Her Late Majesty’s State Funeral on Monday, the last day of the official period of mourning in Canada.
Global News reports that “Metrolinx will observe September 19 as a day of mourning with services pausing for 96 seconds to observe a moment of silence at 1 p.m. to reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth II.” That means that GO Transit buses and trains and UP Express trains will pause, although that may be difficult to achieve for buses operating along freeways and trains along high-speed sections of railway tracks.
York Region Transit says “all YRT and Mobility On-Request [vehicles] will observe 96 seconds of silence by pulling over and stopping (safety permitting). In addition, all social media posts on the YRT channels will be paused for the entire day on Monday, September 19.”
MiWay has announced that its “buses and operations will pause service at 1 p.m… for 96 seconds (the age of The Queen at the time of her passing) to observe the provincial moment of silence.”
Oakville Transit is explaining to passengers that it “will operate regular Monday service on September 19, 2022.” However, “[in] recognition of the National Day of Mourning and to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, Oakville Transit buses will pause at a safe location for 96 seconds at 1 p.m.”
In Milton, the transit agency has tweeted, “As Canada mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday… Milton Transit will pause all service for 96 seconds at 1 p.m. Bus operators will stop their vehicles at regular service stops prior to 1 p.m. and remain there until the moment of silence has concluded.”
Brampton Transit and Durham Region Transit have acknowledged the National Day of Mourning, but will operate with regular service. They have not announced any pause in service at 1 p.m.
These transit agencies have not commented about either a pause or the day of mourning:
- Burlington Transit; and
- the Hamilton Street Railway.