Emergency Alarm

The Emergency Alarm (EA) is a long yellow bar located above the windows of a subway train, along the wheelchair positions and at each end of the subway cars, as well as near the doors of the trains.

The Emergency Alarm should only be used if a customer needs emergency medical, police or fire services.  

When the Emergency Alarm is activated, the train proceeds to the next station. Transit Control is made aware of the alarm and notifies 9-1-1. 

Whenever an Emergency Alarm is activated, service will be delayed anywhere from two to 20 minutes, depending on the nature or urgency of the incident.

Misuse of the Emergency Alarm can result in a significant fine.

Learn about when and how to use the emergency alarm on subway trains by watching our video, TTC - In case of emergency.

Customers who feel unwell on a train should get off the train at the next station and use the intercom at the Designated Waiting Area (DAW) on the platform. The Station Collector will dispatch help as required.

Designated Waiting Areas are located on all station platforms. The DWA is equipped with intercom access to the station collector, benches, railing, enhanced lighting, CCTV cameras and a payphone.

Intercoms are located in Designated Waiting Areas, in elevator cabs, at elevator landings and at entrances not staffed by Station Collectors. They let you talk directly to the Station Collector who's trained to help customers in non-emergency situations, which helps keep the TTC moving.