Toronto-Carib-Soc-History 1

TTC Tribute to Irma James

to drive a TTC Streetcar First Black Woman

There are many other examples of West Indians breaking the barriers of accomplishment, from what others felt was outside the realm of a black person ’ s ability. In many of those areas of accomplishment, the West Indian migrants mentioned that learning the TTC was the key to their early success in terms of finding and holding on to a job. However, some also admit that they were a bit hesitant to travel on the subway because it operated mainly underground, and they were not accustomed to underground travel before migrating. West Indians also found the TTC fare and transfer system very convenient, especially during the winter months, when you can hop onto a streetcar from the subway station and vice versa. It was also convenient that the schools and nightclubs in the city were just a minute walk from the subway and streetcar stops.

Irma James was recognized by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) as the first black woman to drive a Streetcar. In recognition of this feat, the TTC placed an image of Irma James on its streetcars in the downtown area for Black History Month in February 2024. In 2021, Irma James was introduced as a trailblazer for operating the TTC streetcar for the better part of 24 years since 1983. A mother of six, Irma is part of a long list of West Indians covered in this magazine who have contributed to the development of the West Indian fabric and the city of Toronto. Like just about every West Indian who migrated to Canada, Irma sought to make a better life for herself and her family. The riders were deeply saddened by her retirement in 2007.

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