Plan includes creation of There For You Toronto to improve mental health and social services

For immediate release: April 4, 2023

TORONTO – Less talk, more action means SafeTTC Now, Brad Bradford’s four-point action plan as Mayor of Toronto to restore safety on the TTC. 

Sharing his first policy announcement of this campaign, Brad will take action on Day 1 as Mayor to start implementing SafeTTC Now. With leadership and strong action in the Mayor’s office, Toronto can restore safety across the TTC network, while getting people in distress the help they need.

“I’ve been hearing from thousands of people all across Toronto who say they no longer feel safe riding the TTC,” said Brad. “Whether it’s a nurse on her way to Scarborough General to work the night shift, or a student rushing downtown to meet his friends at the Eaton Centre, people feel like they are putting their lives at risk by getting on transit.”

Brad’s SafeTTC Now action plan advances four priorities to restore safety on the TTC and get people the help they need:

• Install platform edge doors at subway stations
• Boost security & safety patrols across the TTC 
• Create There For You Toronto, a new agency to improve mental health resources for people in distress
• Finally bring cell reception to subways across the network

“Things like platform safety barriers and cellular service in the subway are solutions that have been discussed and debated in this city for years,” said Brad. “It is yet another example where too much talk and not enough action has made our city less safe.”

Brad first shared the SafeTTC Now action plan with Toronto residents via social media. Further details on the plan are available on his website www.votebradford.ca.

Brad Bradford will be the strong mayor of action Toronto needs. He understands the challenges the city is facing because his young family lives them every day. As Mayor, Brad will use every tool available to deliver results for the city. 

Brad Bradford’s

SafeTTC Now action plan

The Brad Bradford SafeTTC Now action plan will restore safety across the TTC network, while getting people in distress the help they need. The plan was developed in consultation with transit experts, mental health and addictions leaders, and public safety professionals. The SafeTTC Now plan includes four key measures that the Mayor can begin implementing on Day 1 to address the safety and security challenges Torontonians face while using the city’s subways, streetcars and buses.

1. Install platform edge doors at subway stations
   
   The SafeTTC Now plan will expedite the installation of platform safety barriers, beginning with high volume stations like Bloor-Yonge, Eglinton, Finch and St. George. The project to expand capacity at Bloor-Yonge station has begun preliminary station works, but major construction has not yet begun – presenting an opportunity to expand the scope and build in the safety measures that Toronto residents expect. 

   Other major cities around the world, including New York City, Paris, Tokyo and London, have already installed or are moving forward with different forms of platform barriers to improve safety conditions. The City of Toronto has been talking about doing this for more than a decade – with TTC staff in 2010 recommending barriers be installed by 2015(1). It’s time to get to work.
   

2. Boost security & safety patrols across the TTC
   
   Through the SafeTTC Now plan, the TTC will deploy 40 new special constables funded through the 2023 Budget to identified hotspot stations. These special constables will be tasked with ensuring the safety of all TTC customers, with the ability to summon both crisis outreach workers and police officers depending on the nature of the situation. The special constables will also be empowered to enforce the TTC’s By-law No. 1 (2) to prevent threatening or harassing behaviour, and to address individuals causing a disturbance on the system.Working with the Toronto Police, the SafeTTC Now plan envisions at least 50 new frontline police officers to be deployed in the areas surrounding identified hotspot locations. By focusing on data-driven priority areas, officers can build relationships with local residents in advance of a crisis.
   
   
3. Create There For You Toronto, a new agency to improve boosting mental health resources for people in distress
   
   There For You Toronto will bring together more than 100  mental health and crisis outreach workers dedicated to supporting people in distress across the TTC network and in communities across the city. Where appropriate, these coordinated teams will work with TTC special constables and the Toronto Police to more effectively respond to people in crisis, improve community safety, and connect individuals with services and supports.There For You Toronto will combine existing city programs like Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams (MCIT), the Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Program (M-DOT), Streets to Homes, the Toronto Community Crisis Service and FOCUS Toronto to bridge the gaps between social services and individuals in need. By combining efforts and adding front-line staff, the City can ensure these programs and partner organizations have the resources required to meet demand.
   
   
4. Finally bring cell reception to subways across the network
   

   Cell service is a major barrier to a safe and enjoyable commute. While other cities like Montreal and Vancouver have moved forward, Toronto has fallen behind. As Mayor, Brad will finally get your cell phone working when you ride the rocket. When there’s a delay or an incident, you should be able to text or call your family so they know you’re safe.
   

   The 2012 RFP for the network required the winner to serve at least 60% of Toronto wireless subscribers within a year (3). That bar still has not been met more than a decade later, but no one at the TTC or City Hall has demanded accountability.
   

   No matter your provider, Torontonians should have cell service throughout the transit system. Cell service will also ensure that TTC staff, the Toronto Police Service, and mental health and crisis outreach workers can do their jobs more effectively and safely.

    

 (1) “Crisis averted? TTC help line a success in the absence of barriers”, CP24, October 4, 2011.

 (2) TTC By-law No. 1

 (3) Wireless Network in the Subway System, TTC Report, October 24, 2012.