Toronto transit operators fight public harrassment via Facebook

Toronto - Transit operators for Toronto's TTC have set up a Facebook group closed to the public to fight back against Toronto's latest 'blood sport' of recording drivers in the wrong.

The group says it is there to give suggestions on how to "fight back to the recent photo and video harassment from passengers just looking to make trouble for us." The group also is calling for reverse harassment, having drivers post pictures of passengers who break the rules. TTC spokesperson Kevin Carrington said during a phone interview that the TTC is not going to make comments about the new Facebook group. "We respect everyone's right for free speech and using social media to do so," he said. Carrington said that those who have a problem with an employee of the TTC should contact the customer service department. "The customer service employees are trained to handle complaints." Operators aren't the only ones though that have gone to Facebook concerning the TTC. Riders have also formed groups on the social media network complaining about the service. Much of the recent complaints have to do with a driver taking a coffee break while on a route. That break was recorded and posted to YouTube. Not everyone hates the TTC in Toronto. Paisley Rae commented on Facebook about one driver who is doing a good job: "Once in a while I get the streetcar driver who sings. I love that guy! I watched him sing back an answer (complete with jazz hands) to an irate rider *we were safely at a red light!* and completely won them over. I wish we could clone that guy."