Toronto: The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is facing a hilarious backlash online as its fare inspectors gear up to hit the streets with a new name and uniform. Effective July 20, fare inspectors will be rebranded as ‘Provincial Offences Officers.’ The reason for the widespread mockery? The unfortunate acronym of their new title: POO.
The online ridicule exploded after X user and City Hall reporter Matthew Bingley questioned, ‘Did anyone notice this acronym?’ Social media has since been flooded with memes and jokes.
The TTC’s media relations, acknowledging the humor, responded by stating that the acronym has been in legislation for quite some time. They also added that ticket evasion, which results in hundreds of dollars in fines, is no laughing matter.
The TTC aims to curb ticket evasion in Toronto and increase their authority with this change. A 2023 audit report revealed that the TTC loses up to $140 million annually due to ticket evasion. This money, the TTC says, could be used to improve service, safety, and cleanliness. In a visible change, Provincial Offences Officers will now wear grey shirts instead of the previous yellow uniforms.
It remains to be seen whether this name change will benefit the TTC or if the ‘POO’ acronym will become a lasting impediment. Either way, the topic continues to be a hot one on social media.
