"I would support capital funding for more enforcement officers to deal with fare evasion."
- Frances Nunziata
"Toronto needs a transit system that is affordable, reliable, safe and accessible in every neighbourhood. I support maintaining local accountability over TTC decisions, securing sustainable funding from all levels of government, improving service and investing in infrastructure. These improvements must be delivered responsibly, with transparent budgets, measurable results and meaningful public consultation. My priority is to ensure that residents of York South–Weston and across Toronto can depend on transit to reach work, school, healthcare and their communities without facing unnecessary barriers."
- Sharmarke Ali
"I ride the TTC every day and have been a member of TTCriders for years. Transit issues are important across the city, but in York South-Weston we are a transit hub. Not only do we have some of the city’s busiest bus routes, we also have the Eglinton LRT, the UP Express and GO stations, and access to several 400 series highways along major road corridors. As the next City Councillor, I will fight to make sure that TTC users in our ward and across the city can rely on a safe, reliable and accessible transit system that is 100% public and affordable to everyone."
- Chiara Padovani
"In addition to the major safety issues already addressed in earlier questions, there are several critical areas of TTC safety that must be part of any comprehensive approach. Protecting operators is essential, as assaults and threats against frontline staff have increased and directly affect service reliability. I also recognize that many stations have aging infrastructure that creates safety risks, including narrow platforms, outdated ventilation, and limited emergency egress routes, all of which require modernization.
Emergency communication systems across the network need consistent upgrades so riders and staff can rely on clear alerts, responsive help buttons, and effective coordination during incidents. Preventing track‑level intrusions remains a major concern, and stronger surveillance, platform design improvements, and rapid‑response protocols are necessary to reduce these risks.
Nighttime safety requires particular attention, with improved lighting, visibility, and staff presence during late‑night service. Congestion at fare gates, escalators, and concourses—especially at major interchange stations—creates hazards that must be addressed through better crowd management and infrastructure improvements. Finally, accessibility‑related safety issues, such as elevator reliability, tactile wayfinding, and safe boarding conditions, are essential for ensuring that riders with disabilities can travel safely and independently.
These additional priorities complement the broader safety commitments you have already outlined and reflect the full range of risks that must be addressed to create a safer, more resilient TTC for riders and workers.
I fully support strengthening safety and wellbeing across the TTC, and I am committed to advancing every initiative outlined in this platform. My goal is to champion a transit system that is safer, more compassionate, and more accessible for riders and workers alike. At the same time, I must be responsible and transparent about the limits of what any councillor can guarantee. Some proposals require major capital funding, specialized staffing, engineering feasibility, intergovernmental partnership, and coordinated operations across multiple divisions. For these reasons, I could not make unconditional commitments where the City does not have full control over delivery, timelines, or resources.
Where I expressed support, it is grounded in evidence, operational realities, and the need for sustainable implementation. Every “yes” I provided is a conditional yes—reflecting my commitment to move these priorities forward while acknowledging the practical requirements needed to achieve them.
Where I selected “no” on certain questions, it was not because I oppose the goals or lack commitment to improving safety and wellbeing on the TTC. My “no” reflects a responsible caution: I cannot make promises about operational outcomes, capital projects, or service expansions that depend on factors outside the City’s direct control. Many of these initiatives require major funding, engineering feasibility, staffing capacity, and coordination with the TTC, City divisions, contractors, and other orders of government. It would not be honest or accountable for me to guarantee results that I do not have the authority to deliver on my own.
My position is one of support paired with realism. I back the intent behind these proposals, and I will advocate for them, champion them, and work to move them forward. But I will not commit to outcomes that rely on resources, approvals, or operational decisions that I cannot personally direct. This approach ensures that I remain transparent, responsible, and grounded in good governance while still supporting the broader goals of a safer, more accessible, and more compassionate transit system."
- Sileen Phillips