Public Transit Safety Townhall: Transit users, workers, experts to hold public dialogue

(Toronto, ON) – In response to recent violent incidents on public transit and proposed TTC service cuts, transit users, transit workers, and other experts will come together at a joint event to explore proactive solutions. 

“Everyone deserves to be safe on public transit, whether you are a transit worker or a transit user,” said ATU Local 113 President Marvin Alfred. “Transit workers are in fear and it’s time to listen to them for solutions.” 

“All are invited to join this community conversation to share what a safe, dignified, and accessible public transit system means to you,” said TTCriders director Shelagh Pizey-Allen. “Mayor Tory and City Councillors have the opportunity on February 14th to make proactive investments in community safety and public services, such as supportive mental health crisis workers on the TTC, more shelter space, and more TTC service, not cuts.”

WHAT: Our TTC: Public Transit Safety Townhall

TIME: 7:00pm-8:30pm 

DATE: Thursday, February 9, 2023

LOCATION: (Hybrid event) Online via Zoom or in-person at Centennial College Progress Campus (941 Progress Avenue)

MORE INFO: www.ttcriders.ca/safetytownhall

SPEAKERS: 

  • Alok Mukherjee (moderator) 

  • Marvin Alfred, President of ATU Local 113

  • Tima Shah, President of Centennial College Students’ Association 

  • Devika Parsaud, WomanACT  

  • David Meyers, Centre for Independent Living Toronto

  • Lorraine Lam, Outreach worker 

  • Jane Finch Action Against Poverty speaker

  • Gerstein Crisis Centre speakers

ORGANIZERS: YWCA Toronto, TTCriders, Jane Finch Action Against Poverty, WomanACT, Chinese Canadian National Council - Toronto Chapter, Centennial College Students’ Association, ATU Local 113.

"As an organization that serves many low-income Chinese Canadian community members, ranging from youth, working class parents and adults, and seniors, we are concerned that the city refuses to take accountability and address violence and safety on the TTC. The city’s budget proposals for the TTC only continue to further harm those from low-income, working class, racialized, and other marginalized backgrounds. In particular, our senior and youth members have expressed the need for free and increasingly reliable transit for all.

CCNCTO has personally witnessed and sought to address the rise of anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, we firmly believe that a budget that provides more community support can address and dismantle anti-Asian racism. A community-first approach will work to address systemic barriers and inequities that harm our communities - however, raising TTC fares and increasing police presence are antithetical to this approach. We firmly believe that a budget that provides more community support can address systemic racism, including anti-Asian racism, and ensure the safety of all of our community members on the TTC."


Contact:
Shelagh Pizey-Allen
(416) 309-9026

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