TTC introduces new safety initiatives ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026^TM

With one week to go before Toronto’s first FIFA World Cup 2026TM game, the TTC is introducing two new initiatives to enhance safety and mobility during the tournament -- a bike‑based Special Constables Core Response Unit, and a pilot program deploying drones in select locations. 

“The world is coming to Toronto, and we are making sure that we are ready to welcome them,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “These new programs strengthen the TTC’s existing safety measures, and we will continue exploring additional ways to ensure customers feel comfortable and confident on the system.”

 "The world will experience Toronto through the TTC," said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. "That is a responsibility we take seriously. We are preparing extensively to ensure every journey is safe, reliable, and seamless, while working alongside the city, emergency services, and event partners to deliver a world-class experience worthy of our world-class city, Toronto, and Canada."

The TTC’s new Core Response Unit of Special Constables will patrol the downtown core using bicycles, allowing officers to move quickly through busy areas and use bike lanes to navigate the streets more easily. On match days, the unit will concentrate on high‑traffic stations to support crowd management and rapid response.

The TTC is also beginning to pilot tethered drones at Kipling, Greenwood and Davisville subway yards to monitor, detect and deter security issues, including graffiti and property damage. The drones will be deployed overnight on weekends during this pilot and be monitored by the Transit Control Centre. On game days, a drone will also be deployed at the new Fleet Street Transit Hub, providing Transit Control with a live view of crowd conditions and enabling real‑time responses to congestion.

In addition to these new programs, the TTC will maintain and enhance existing safety initiatives throughout the tournament. This includes increased station staffing, with additional Customer Service Agents, TTC Ambassadors, and supervisors positioned across the network, as well as Provincial Offences Officers and Special Constables deployed strategically at busy stations and transfer points.

Customers are encouraged to continue using the SafeTTC app to discreetly report safety concerns, or to press the yellow emergency strip on vehicles or the intercom in the DWA area if immediate assistance is required and a TTC employee is not available.

For information and updates on the TTC’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ readiness and customer experience plans, visit www.ttc.ca/kickoff.