The results of the first TTC passenger audit found the cleanliness of some subway stations sorely lacking. And, in other news, studies have revealed that driving with your eyes closed increases your chances of getting in an accident and it can sometimes get cold in the Arctic.

The one-day passenger audit was completed by 219 volunteers who surveyed 54 different subway stations, and four of five stations of the Scarborough RT. The project was led by TTC vice-chairperson Joe Mihevc.

About 45 per cent of respondents said the conditions at their local station were "poor," whereas about 41 per cent called them "adequate" and another 12 per cent said they were "good."

Joe Mihevc spoke to the TTC board about the audit results yesterday saying, "Clearly some work needs to be done." Besides the lack of cleanliness, auditors also indicated that elevators were out of service too often, and that more signs, maps, and better bike parking systems were needed. On a positive note (yes, there is one) around 72 per cent of the participants felt their stations were generally safe.

Among other things, audit participants recommended that the TTC hire more cleaning staff and place more garbage cans both inside and outside stations -- logical expenditures. Maybe the TTC can look into it after covering the cost of their planned transit museum?

Photo by St-Even in the blogTO Flickr pool.