York Transit caught parking illegally

Victoria Alarcon
Sports & Health Edivtor
York Region Transit (YRT) vehicles are getting away with parking in illegal parking spots, obstructing traffic and are becoming a hazard for students.
On several occasions, Excalibur managed to photograph YRT vehicles parked for more than 10 minutes in front of a no-standing zone, in front of construction sites and in Brampton Transit lanes without being ticketed by York University parking enforcement officers.

A YRT supervisor – who identified himself only as Harry – who was parked in the Brampton Transit lanes, said “This is where [York Region] told us to park. This is where we have to park. If we are not here, you wouldn’t have any buses.”
Another YRT driver who wished to remain anonymous was parked in front of a construction site. He complained there was nowhere else YRT employees could park.
Nicole Arsenault, manager of transportation services at York, noted YRT does not have the permission to park in any area that would obstruct roadways or cause safety issues.
“We do have certain areas where YRT vehicles can come in and park for short periods of time where they do have permission,” she said. “However, they do not have permission to park in fire routes or anywhere that would be obstructing safety related things.”
She said York would follow-up with YRT and make sure they are not obstructing “any roadways or parking in any fire routes.”
York student Shay Laserson, who parks twice a week at York, is concerned that rule is not being followed, as he has noticed several vehicles parking in illegal parking spots for some time now.
“I know for a fact it’s illegal to park where the ‘no standing’ sign is, and those vehicles were there for over 30 minutes,” he said, noting many vehicles tend to park in these areas during the busiest times on campus. “It’s illegal […] it’s disrespectful to staff, students and visitors. They are not above the law in any way, shape or form. They are not police officers directing traffic, or an ambulance employee who could potentially save someone’s life.”
Laserson added these supervisors are essentially getting free parking in illegal spots for long periods, since York’s parking officers are not ticketing them.

Arsenault said parking areas are provided for YRT drivers who need to stay there for the day, and that they will have to pay for parking like all students and staff.
“It would depend on what they’re looking for, but we don’t give away free parking permits to anybody,” she said. “If they want full-year parking, they would have to pay for it.”
TTC spokesperson Jessica Martin noted that TTC commission supervisors and operators who maintain regular service for York students come to the university using their own bus service rather than using vehicles.
“The supervisor for York University who usually comes from Wilson division or from Arrow Road division […] most take transit generally all the time. If they do have a vehicle, they would park at the Wilson division or the Arrow division where we have staff parking and then they take the 106 bus or 196 bus to get up there.”
A YRT representative couldn’t be reached for comment.