TTC increasing visibility, on-vehicle checks and targeting track intrusions as part of enhanced safety and security measures

May 27, 2026

As part of ongoing improvements to safety and security, the TTC will increase staff visibility, on-vehicle checks and begin installation of an AI-assisted track intrusion warning system pilot.

These actions, and more, are part of the new and enhanced measures outlined in the “Advancing Safety on the TTC: 2026 Focus Areas Plan” report, which is going to the TTC Board next Wednesday, June 3.

As part of this plan, the TTC intends to:

Increase staff visibility in stations and to conduct on-vehicle checks during peak hours, and fare inspection on subways at other times
Improve deployment of provincial offences officers, Special Constables, station supervisors, and security guards to be more dynamic and data-informed
Improve coordination of services for vulnerable people in need of social services or shelter, so they don’t have to shelter on transit overnight.
Expand the use of body-worn and in-station cameras to act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour
Pilot a targeted in-stations announcement system in key locations to reduce disruptive behaviour and delays
Advance an additional $6 million in funding for the Bloor Yonge Capacity Improvement Project to prepare the platform for edge doors in the future and $2 million to pilot NYC-style platform barriers at TMU Station this year.

“The City invests tens of millions of dollars every year to enhance customer and employee safety and security and we know it is making a difference,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “This year will see enhanced measures and I am committed to providing even more support in future years. We cannot compromise on safety.”

“The TTC Board has made this program a cornerstone of our efforts to improve safety and bring more customers back to transit,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “I hear from people daily about this issue and as Board Chair, it is essential we act on these concerns.”

“Safety is paramount to everything we do at the TTC; whether that’s individual safety or the safety of our infrastructure and vehicles,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “Using data to inform our decisions, we will strategically roll out these new initiatives to ensure they are of maximum benefit to our customers and employees.”

In addition to the enhanced measures this year, the TTC continues to advance a range of community safety and security measures, as outlined in the TTC Community Safety, Security, and Well-Being Plan, such as:

Expanded the Toronto Community Crisis Service pilot program to support mental health-related calls in subway stations;
Increased the number of Streets to Homes outreach workers by 10 to provide additional support on the surface network;
Completed de-escalation training for frontline employees;
Launched customer campaigns promoting courtesy, appropriate behaviour, and safety awareness, including initiatives to highlight available safety features, resources, and the SafeTTC app;
Deployed Neighbourhood Community Officers on the subway network;
Established 24/7 Transit Special Constable support within Transit Control to support SafeTTC app correspondences and CCTV playback requests;
Partnered with Toronto Police Service to deliver community safety events;
Advanced work to expand criminal protection for transit workers through Bill C-14, which has passed third reading in the House of Commons and is being considered in the Senate;
Launched a nine-week safety informed youth PEERS pilot program in partnership with TDSB, City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service.

(New York barrier example. Photo courtesy of Barbara Russo-Lennon/amNewYork)