TTC introduces new safety reporting measures for riders, employees

The transit service announcement comes a day after police announced they will no longer deploy overtime officers to patrol the system.

Thestar.com
March 15, 2023
Marissa Birnie
Mahdis Habibinia

The TTC is introducing a new service that will allow riders to report safety concerns online or through text messages.

In a press release Tuesday, the TTC said riders now have the option to text 647-496-1940 or use an online form at ttc.ca to report incidents or concerns to TTC Transit Control.

“These new methods provide additional options for customers to report any suspicious or concerning activity on the system,” TTC Chair Jon Burnside said in the release.

Commuters can use the new text option, or the webform along with the existing SafeTTC app to “discreetly report safety concerns, depending on whichever option is most convenient/accessible to them at the time,” a TTC spokesperson said. “All of these methods are monitored by Transit Control 24/7.”

However, a lack of cell service on the subway is a problem commuters in Toronto know all too well.

All of Toronto’s subway stations, and all tunnels in the stretch of Line 1 between Spadina and Bloor-Yonge, are outfitted with cellular service and data installed by BAI Communications Inc., a company that’s built networks in subways around the world. However, the only carrier to sign on to BAI’s system on the TTC is Freedom Mobile.

Canada’s three big telecom providers -- Rogers, Bell and Telus -- have so far refused to join.

The new safety measures announced Tuesday come one day after Toronto police announced it would end its extra patrols on the TTC.

Police had increased the number of officers patrolling the TTC in January following a series of violent incidents in recent weeks.

They relied on off-duty officers working overtime to the cost of around $1.7 million per month.

Tuesday’s announcement comes a day after police said they will no longer deploy overtime officers but will have mostly on-duty officers signalling the end of the six-week blitz.

Recent TTC incidents include a Toronto chef who said he was assaulted and almost set on fire at Castle Frank subway station last week.

Earlier this month, Toronto police charged a man with sexual assault after violent incidents near the St. Clair subway station.

In the press release Tuesday, the TTC noted existing safety measures will remain in place, including the app and the yellow emergency alarm strips on subway trains.

The spokesperson said the emergency alarms should only be used if someone needs emergency medical, police or fire services. “When the alarm is activated, the train proceeds to the next station. Transit Control is made aware of the alarm and notifies 9-1-1,” they said.

The Designated Waiting Area intercom on the subway platform can also be used to contact TTC staff in the case of an emergency.