Using force over $3.30 is not okay

Tell the TTC Board that using force is never an acceptable response when someone does not tap on TTC.

On April 11, 2024, the TTC Board will vote on a “Use of Force” policy. The policy is not clear enough that using force is never acceptable when someone does not pay a TTC fare.

Why is the TTC creating a "Use of Force" policy? 

The Toronto Ombudsman recommended in 2017 that the TTC create guidelines for when force is used by Special Constables, Fare Inspectors, and other staff. The Ombudsman also wrote a report in 2019 after TTC Fare Inspectors had assaulted a young Black man, Reece Maxwell-Crawford, on a streetcar platform in 2018.

What is the proposed "Use of Force" policy? 

Click here to read the full proposed policy and TTC report. Here is the relevant section: 

"6.0 FORCE – SPECIAL CONSTABLES 

6.1 Special Constables, during the course of their duties, are authorized to use Force in response to an event or incident to preserve the peace, prevent crimes, maintain order, protect themselves and others, and detain and arrest suspects. 

7.0 FORCE – REVENUE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES 

7.1 Fare Inspectors and Protective Services Guards can only use force for the purposes of Self-defence, as outlined in section 8. 

7.2 Fare Inspectors and Protective Services Guards, during the course of their duties, also have the right to use Force to assist a Peace Officer as outlined in section 25 of the Criminal Code of Canada

8.0 FORCE FOR SELF-DEFENCE 

8.1 Special Constables, Fare Inspectors and Protective Services Guards and Supervisors, during the course of their duties, have the right to use Force for Self-defence, as outlined in section 34 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

What are your concerns with the policy?

The proposed policy authorizes Special Constables to use force for reasons that are vague, such as "preserve the peace" and "maintain order." And Fare Inspectors are authorized to assist Peace Officer (e.g. Special Constables) in some of their duties.

That is why we are asking the TTC Board to clarify their policy and include clear direction that force is never acceptable when someone does not pay a TTC fare. 

Some TTC Board members have expressed support for using force in response to someone not paying a fare. For example, Councillor Dianne Saxe told CBC News on March 21, 2024: "We do also need the use of force policy to be approved so that there can be a response when someone just ignores a ticket collector or a fare inspector and walks away."

Take action

1. Speak to the TTC Board on April 11th:

  • Register to speak before Wednesday, April 10th at 12pm.
  • Email [email protected] and ask to speak about Agenda Item #4: Policies to Support the Revenue Protection and Special Constable Service Culture Change Program (For Action).
  • Check out the TTCriders guide to making a speech to City Councillor or email [email protected] for tips and to let us know you are coming.

2. Send an email: 

Copy and paste this email, or personalize it for more impact: 

Send to:  [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
CC:  Your own City Councillor (click this link to find their email)
Subject:  Using force over $3.30 is not okay (re: TTC Agenda Item #4)
Email text: 

Dear TTC Board members, 

I am writing to ask that you please clarify the TTC's "Use of Force" policy to give clear direction that force is not an acceptable response when someone does not pay their fare. 

The "Use of Force" policy authorizes Special Constables to use force "in response to an event or incident to preserve the peace, prevent crimes, [and] maintain order." 

I am concerned that this vague language could be interpreted to authorize force when someone does not tap on the TTC. I urge you to clarify the "Use of Force" policy and include clear direction that force is never acceptable when someone does not pay a TTC fare. 

Using force is not acceptable when someone does not return a library book. Using force is not acceptable when someone does not pay for parking. 

Not only is it wrong to use force when someone does not pay for transit, but the TTC has not presented evidence that an enforcement approach works. On the other hand, the TTC has ample evidence that Black and Indigenous people are grossly overrepresented in TTC enforcement activities, especially Black and Indigenous men.

The TTC also has evidence that hiring more frontline staff in subway stations deters people from not paying and that their "Taps Before Tickets" approach works (50% of people pay when asked). There are many reasons that people do not pay: From lack of PRESTO coverage in the suburbs, to poverty, to lack of people presence on vehicles, or feeling entitled to free rides because of late or unreliable service. Violence will not solve any of these underlying issues. 

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME, YOUR POSTAL CODE]

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