One of the issues discussed at yesterday’s meeting of the TTC Board was that of safety, specifically the safety of women. Toronto City Council had already asked the Commission to undertake a safety audit, specifically with respect to the safety of women and women with disabilities.
The TTC said a new app will be released by the end of the year. Global News reports riders will be able to use the app to take a picture of someone who may be committing an illegal act on the system and forward it to transit authorities who will then decide what action to take. Possible actions include calling police or transit authorities to investigate any alleged incidents of unlawful acts.
TTC CEO Andy Byford said the app will automatically turn the flash and sound off on the smartphone using the app. The purpose is to allow the user to be discreet; to be able to send a message to transit authorities without other passengers knowing what they are doing.
The TTC already has safety measures in place. There are emergency strips on subways that can be pushed in case of an emergency. Those who take buses at night can ask to be dropped off between stops and subway platforms have intercoms in designated areas with intercoms where passengers can talk to transit employees. But using emergency strips and intercoms can draw the attention of other passengers, dissuading some people who are experiencing or witnessing harassment or other illegal activity from employing them.
TTC Board Chair Josh Colle described the transit system as safe but says the TTC is always looking for ways to make it safer. As well as introducing the new app, the TTC will be looking at other transit systems around the world to examine safety measures other jurisdictions employ. The results of the safety audit will be announced at a meeting on Dec. 6.
Last year, 60 assaults were reported on the TTC. So far this year there have been 35 reported assaults, about one every four days.
