Toronto, ON — TTCriders, a membership-based transit advocacy organization, celebrates City Council’s approval of new safety initiatives for public transit, including a pilot project on the deployment of 24/7 responders from Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS). The group says these are necessary steps towards building a safer TTC, and are thrilled to see City Council and the TTC Board make further investment towards transit safety, accessibility, and reliability for everyone.
“All transit riders want to feel safe when they use the TTC,” said Andrew Pulsifer, Executive Director of TTCriders. “Adding crisis worker teams is a major win for safety. For years, transit users have been calling for an inclusive, non-enforcement approach to safety based on evidence and care. More preventative solutions like platform-edge doors and more reliable bus and streetcar service are also necessary. Riders shouldn’t feel unsafe waiting long periods at stops or standing on crowded platforms.”
TTCriders notes that reported safety incidents on the TTC have declined in recent months, but riders’ perception of safety has not caught up. Many still feel uneasy using transit, particularly during long waits or in crowded stations. Many riders also feel unsafe with increased police presence on public transit.
Rebeena, a TTCriders member and daily transit rider, added:
“As someone who takes the TTC every day, I notice when my bus doesn’t come on time or when platforms feel overcrowded. I notice when there are armed police officers on transit. It makes me anxious and sometimes unsafe. Changes like this, that don’t rely on increasing police presence on public transit, are a step in the right direction, but what would really help is knowing that the TTC will be reliable and safe every single day.”
The advocacy group is calling for a multi-pronged approach to safety that goes beyond policing, including:
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Platform-edge doors to prevent track intrusions and improve station safety.
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Reliable bus and streetcar service so riders aren’t left waiting in conditions where they feel unsafe.
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Non-police frontline staff such as crisis intervention teams to provide support to riders when needed.
“This pilot project is an important win for transit safety” said Pulsifer. “Riders deserve a TTC that is safe, reliable, and welcoming. That means investing in more solutions that build confidence and dignity in our transit system.”
Media Contact
Andrew Pulsifer - Executive Director TTCriders
[email protected]
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