Like that place on the horizon where the sun comes up each day, TTC bus schedules are pretty darn reliable.

Even if it means that buses pull up day after day in front of a school that closed six weeks ago, to provide students who aren’t there with a lift to the subway station.

Now that we’re into the seventh week of severe social restrictions due to the virus crisis, a lot of services that run on schedules have been adjusted to a new reality. Things just aren’t the same any more.

But that may still be sinking in at the TTC, which continues to send buses to Neil McNeil Catholic High School, on Victoria Park Avenue, where nobody is waiting for a ride.

Stephanie Meredith noted in an email that the TTC is suffering a decline in revenue and riders. The TTC estimated earlier this month that it would lose $23.5 million a week in fare revenue during April, due to the sickness.

“I understand the TTC is worried about finances, so could you please try to find out why two number 12 buses continue to arrive outside Neil McNeil every weekday at 2.30,” asked Meredith.

“When school is in session the buses transport students to the subway station, but school has been closed since mid-March, so why waste money and resources?”

I went there Monday and watched as a bus pulled up at precisely 2:29 p.m. – high-fives to the TTC for punctuality – soon followed by two others, which lined up in front of the school.

One of the drivers who noticed me taking photos got out and asked if I was a tourist. I told him why I was interested. He shrugged and said he drives the bus wherever they tell him to.

So why would they send buses every day to a closed school, I asked. “I’ve been wondering that, too,” he said.

STATUS: TTC spokesperson Stuart Green provided the following explanation:

“Although school is out, the location is used a scheduled starting point for these buses before they go into regular service. In this case, the buses are waiting to go into service on the 87 Cosburn, 924 Victoria Park Express (currently running as a local service route) and 12 Kingston Road routes once they reach Victoria Park Station.

“Even though they are not picking up students, the buses are following their regular start times in order to keep them on schedule for those other routes. As of May 10 they will not be there. It’s a new schedule period and those Neil runs will be eliminated for the summer.”

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