What to know
- Metrolinx is increasing police presence at Union Station in partnership with the Toronto Police Service to improve safety and response times.
- The agency is introducing body-worn cameras for Customer Protection Officers, Revenue Protection Officers, and Station Safety Ambassadors across GO Transit and UP Express.
- The cameras will record audio and video during specific interactions, including safety incidents, investigations, and fare compliance checks, and will be activated only in those situations.
- Metrolinx says the changes are part of broader efforts to strengthen frontline staffing and prepare for increased summer travel demand, including major events in Toronto.
Starting this week, Metrolinx will be enhancing safety measures across its transit network, including increased police presence at Union Station and the rollout of body-worn cameras.
In a news release on Monday, Metrolinx said it will be collaborating with the Toronto Police Service to enhance police presence at Union Station in an attempt to increase safety.
The transit agency says paid duty officers will work closely with Metrolinx special constables to strengthen response times.
In addition, the agency says starting Monday, it will be introducing body-worn cameras for Customer Protection Officers, Revenue Protection Officers, and Station Safety Ambassadors across the GO Transit and UP Express network.
The cameras will be used to record audio and video during interactions, and will be worn on an officers uniform.
In a previous news release, Metrolinx says that body-worn cameras will only be turned on during specific interactions such as safety-related incidents, investigations, or when there is failure to provide valid proof of payment while in a fare-paid zone.
In addition, Metrolinx says it is hiring more officers to strengthen frontline presence across the transit system.
Metrolinx says the changes come ahead of a busy summer travel season, including major sporting events like FIFA World Cup matches taking place at Toronto Stadium.
“Safety remains our top priority,” Metrolinx President and CEO Michael Lindsay said in a news release. “Enhanced Transit Safety Officer coverage and increased police presence are all part of the comprehensive planning we’ve been doing for months to ensure every rider, whether they’re heading to a match, a concert or their daily commute, feels confident on our system.”
