TTC launches streetcar safety campaign to remind motorists that "Stopping Saves Lives"
The TTC has launched a new safety campaign to remind all road users they must stop for open streetcar doors.
The “Stopping Saves Lives” campaign aims to improve safety for streetcar passengers and reinforce the “Do not pass open doors” message that appears on the back of every streetcar. Anyone sharing Toronto roads with streetcars, regardless of their mode of transportation, is subject to the Highway Traffic Act, which makes it illegal to pass open doors.
Between 2014 and 2024, 141 individuals were hit by vehicles while boarding or exiting streetcars. Additionally, TTC customers and operators witness and report multiple violations and near misses every day.
“The City of Toronto has an ongoing commitment to safer streets for all road users, including TTC customers riding streetcars,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “Streetcar riders should be able to board and exit vehicles without the risk of being contacted by a passing car. I commend the TTC for this campaign and hope it will raise awareness among all road users.”
“This campaign is rooted in the real and growing concern we’re hearing from our customers and operators about far too many vehicles illegally passing open streetcar doors,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “No one should be put at risk while simply trying to get to work, school, or home. Our message is simple: stopping saves lives. We’re asking all road users to do their part in keeping our system safe.”
“Safety is paramount to everything we do at the TTC, and it's important that customers feel safe when boarding and exiting streetcars,” said TTC Interim CEO Greg Percy. “We want to remind motorists, cyclists and pedestrians that we all share the road and need your help to keep everyone safe.”
“Passing a streetcar when its doors are open is not only illegal - it’s extremely dangerous and creates an unsafe environment for everyone using the road. Toronto Police is happy to work alongside the TTC to enforce the rules and keep our roads safe for everyone,” said Superintendent Matt Moyer, Toronto Police Service, Traffic Services Unit.
Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA), passing open streetcar doors is illegal. The current fine is up to $183.25 plus three demerit points.
The campaign will appear on billboards in the downtown core, as digital ads on various platforms, and play in traffic reports and on other audio streaming services. “We Stop. You Stop.” decals will also be affixed to the back of streetcars.
In February, the TTC announced a pilot project with B.C.-based Gatekeeper Systems Inc. to develop automatic camera enforcement technology for motorists who pass open doors, which will capture the incident and license plate information. The pilot includes development, installation of cameras on four streetcars, and nine months of testing starting later next year.
