TTC Safety Measures Proposed by Brad Bradford
In a significant development for Toronto’s public transit system, City Councillor Brad Bradford is advocating for enhanced safety measures at TTC stations. This call for action comes in light of recent incidents affecting subway service, including a disruption on Line 2 due to an injury on the tracks at 8:30 a.m., which led to shuttle buses being deployed until service resumed at 10:00 a.m.
Bradford’s proposal includes the implementation of police patrols at every station, a move he believes is essential for ensuring the safety of riders. “This is not a nice-to-have. This is a must-have,” Bradford stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Additionally, Bradford is advocating for the installation of platform-edge doors across the transit system, a safety feature that has been studied by the TTC for years. The estimated cost for retrofitting 70 stations with these doors is approximately $4.1 billion. A pilot project for platform-edge doors at the TMU (Dundas) station was previously put on hold, raising questions about the feasibility of such enhancements.
Bradford referenced successful implementations in cities like Tokyo, Paris, and Seoul, which have retrofitted their transit systems with platform-edge doors, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. He emphasized, “The TTC has studied this for years. It’s not a question of whether or not it helps; it absolutely would.”
As part of his ongoing efforts, Bradford plans to introduce a member’s motion at the next city council meeting to formally address these safety concerns. With the next municipal election scheduled for October 2026, he confirmed his intention to run for mayor when registration opens on May 1.
In light of the recent subway disruptions, Bradford noted that “people are actually changing their travel patterns in Toronto,” indicating a growing concern among riders regarding safety and reliability. He remarked, “When a station is dark and dirty and neglected, it sends a signal that nobody is in charge and that disorder is tolerated.”
As discussions around these safety measures continue, the TTC’s commitment to rider safety remains a priority. However, details regarding the implementation timeline and funding for these proposals remain unconfirmed.
