A lot of the problem can be solved very cheaply. Not an expensive 10 year fix (although it may be needed). Just use (1) the PA system (2) the TV sets and (3) the TTC website. Put information on them that can be used to make an informed decision.
If on Line 2 they said they are not stopping at St George nor Bloor the people on the west can use Kipling GO, UPX, 504, 510, etc. In the east can use Kennedy GO, Main GO, 504, 505, 506, 75, etc. Spreading some of the capacity constraint out among many lines would make it slightly more bearable.
But they would rather tell people about signal problems in the east. And not that the main transfer points were shut down.