TTC pilots new technology to improve bus safety
This week, the TTC launched a six-month pilot of new bus technologies designed to improve safety for operators, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Thirty TTC buses are now equipped with technology that will warn operators and vulnerable road users of potential collisions, as well as new displays that reduce blind spots for operators.
“We are always looking at new tools that will help us improve road safety, especially for our most vulnerable road users,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “With 1,600 TTC buses on the road every day, any chance to improve TTC bus safety is a chance to improve road safety citywide.”
“Safety is paramount at the TTC, and I welcome any opportunity to improve safety for both TTC operators and transit users,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers “Through this six-month pilot, the TTC will gather valuable information and insights, and I look forward to seeing the results.”
“Our bus operators all receive extensive training to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to keep everyone safe,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “These new technologies, if they prove helpful, could be another step we take to help reduce the risk of collisions.”
Pedestrians and cyclists outside TTC buses may hear two warnings: “Caution, bus approaching” when near a moving bus and, “Danger, step back” when there is an imminent risk of collision. Inside the bus, operators receive collision warnings through a flashing panel and an audible alert. These warnings are based on the distance between buses and things around them, as well as how fast they are travelling.
Pilot buses will run along the 29/329/929 Dufferin, 63/363 Ossington, 161 Rogers Rd and 168 Symington routes, all of which are heavily used by pedestrians, motorists and cyclists. The goal is to determine each technology's effectiveness, incorporate lessons learned into future bus procurements, and help to consider whether the systems should be retrofitted into the existing bus fleet.
The TTC performed controlled testing of both technologies in 2025. Similar driver-assist technologies are used in other transit systems, such as York Region, Chicago and Boston.
Anyone wishing to provide feedback on these technologies can do so via the TTC’s customer service team: www.ttc.ca/customer-service/contact-us.