Beginning last year, violent crime on the TTC began ramping up, with over 40 attacks reported since the beginning of 2023.
“Well, it’s a complex issue,”
said Stuart Green, the senior communications specialist at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
There is no clear answer as to why violence has increased on public transit. TTC, Toronto Police, and politicians alike don’t have any concrete solutions to these seemingly random attacks on TTC patrons.
The TTC’s transit services offer public transportation for many Torontonians, on a singular day in the work week it is estimated that the TTC helps over 1.7 million people get to their desired destinations.
Whether for work, school, or pleasure, many students at the University of Guelph-Humber utilize and rely on the TTC for daily transportation needs. According to a survey completed by 30 Guelph-Humber students, 63.4 per cent of students take the TTC; either daily or occasionally.
However, with the rise of violent crimes occurring some students are wary of their safety when utilizing TTC services.
Student Priscilla Asubonteng takes the TTC daily, she said, “if you feel like you should move, I would say move. At the end of the day, people don’t know your intentions when you’re moving so it’s not like you are really offending anyone.” She continued to say, you should always trust your instincts because that could be the reason, you’re in the news as an ‘extreme’ case of TTC violence.
Stuart admits there is a rising concern for safety on the TTC, “Coming out of a pandemic, you know maybe some people have forgotten basic social interaction skills and the slightest thing can set them off like these are things that I’m not saying but the experts are.”
In a press release from the Toronto Police they said, “In response to a request from the TTC and an increase in violence and criminal acts in the city’s transit system, the Toronto Police Service has been actively increasing its high visibility patrols on transit properties in recent weeks to augment the security provided by the TTC.”
However, Stuart Green said it is unclear what the long-term solution would be in this situation, but he is glad to have the additional support of the Toronto Police during this incline of violent crimes. “What we’re doing now is sort of giving us a look ahead and how we might deal with next winter”.
City Council discussed the additional costs of the paid duty circling the TTC and it is estimated to cost $1.7 million a month. This led to Toronto Police gaining 43.8 million with no amendments, a budget increase of 4.3 per cent to the Toronto 2022 budget.
Know the Lifelines
If a situation presents itself and you are feeling uneasy, there are several helplines implemented by the TTC to keep patrons safe.
Subways have a yellow strip located in every section of the cars. These can be activated to notify the operators an issue is occurring, and immediate assistance is required. Stuart said, “in the event of an emergency on a vehicle: hit the yellow emergency strip that is essentially like dialling 911 on transit”.
Platforms have free internet and cellular for everyone, if a situation occurs, you can use the Safe TTC application, and phone the police, or TTC officers. However, the quickest option is to stand near the yellow emergency alarm located in the designated waiting area.
Buses and streetcars are safer by design, as they have many exits and an employee in every vehicle. Report concerns immediately to the driver, if not you can also use cellular to make a phone call for help.
Personal safety recommendations
We at Emerge News are recommending students take the following precautions:
- Keep your head up and be always conscious of your whereabouts. Know where the TTC safety devices are, as well as a safe exit strategy to a secondary location.
- Try to limit your distractions, like reducing screen time and lower audio levels or noise cancelling capabilities on headphones if possible. It is ideal to have no impediments to your senses.
- Avoid eye contact or initiating an interaction with a stranger. If possible, try to travel with friends, or stay with larger crowds. Don’t take shortcuts or travel alone; you are less likely to be targeted when you stick to crowds.
- Hide your valuable items, and only carry what you need. It is also advised to carry a personal safety alarm, whistle, or other personal safety devices.
- Share your location with trusted friends and family members, tell them about your planned journey and notify them of your safe arrival.
What happens after an incident?
Situations vary case by case and by severity. However, one thing is certain; TTC will aid Toronto Police in these violent assault investigations. TTC has many cameras that are continually monitoring public transit, as well as hired additional staff to help aid in patron’s concerns.
However, unless the attacker is lawfully charged and restricted from using the TTC, they are legally permitted to continue their use of public transit. Stuart said, “we don’t ban, but courts can ban people from travelling. It usually takes a court intervention in very serious prosecutions for that to happen.”
Many Guelph-Humber students rely on the TTC for transportation to campus. If you are one of these students, take the recommended precautions and keep yourself safe.
