What to know
- The TTC will pilot steel safety barriers and AI-assisted cameras at TMU Station later this year to help prevent track intrusions and improve subway safety.
- Mayor Olivia Chow says the initiative could expand to four more stations in 2027.
- The TTC is also preparing Bloor-Yonge Station for future platform edge doors, which transit advocates have long pushed for across the subway network.
- TTC CEO Mandeep Lali says the agency is taking a “data-driven approach” to safety, with early data showing fewer delays caused by track intrusions compared to last year.
- The city will also increase visible TTC staff, security, and crisis support workers during rush hour, while expanding outreach services for vulnerable riders.
After years of public anxiety around the public system, Toronto is finally trying to modernize TTC safety with a new pilot project that will add steel barriers and AI-assisted cameras at a downtown subway station to keep people from trespassing onto the tracks.
The measures were announced on Wednesday by the City of Toronto and TTC, and are part of a greater security plan for the transit agency.
TTC launching AI-assisted subway safety pilot at TMU Station
According to Mayor Olivia Chow, the pilot will first launch at TMU Station starting this year, with steel barriers being installed across the subway platform to prevent people from falling or jumping into the tracks. The goal is to later expand the initiative to four other stations across the city next year.
“We must prevent riders from falling or jumping into the subway tracks. Even when no one is harmed, track intrusions cause significant delays,” Chow told reporters.
Why the TTC is installing steel platform barriers
The idea behind the steel barriers was based on a similar initiative in New York City transit, which was also led by TTC CEO Mandeep Lali, who previously worked as a NYC transit executive.
“Do remember our CEO came from New York City and has been responsible for its subway, so [it’s] not surprising we’re bringing some of his initiatives to right here in Toronto,” Chow added.
In addition, TTC will be installing cameras equipped with an AI-assisted warning system that is able to detect people on the tracks to prevent incidents.
TTC preparing Bloor-Yonge Station for future platform edge doors
The new steel barrier pilot comes as transit advocates have long been pushing for TTC to install full platform edge doors that would separate subway platforms from the tracks, only opening when the train fully stops at the station.
The transit agency previously considered a pilot project to install the infrastructure at TMU Station, but at the time, the TTC Board said funding the project was a concern, with costs estimated at $4.1 billion for installation across the entire subway network.
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As part of the announcement on Wednesday, Chow said the transit system will also get a “major retrofit,” which will be piloted at Bloor-Yonge Station. This retrofit will include a re-design of the platform which will “make it compatible” with PEDs in the future.
In addition, the mayor said the TTC is working on a long-term plan for installation of the PEDs “when more funding becomes available.”
TTC taking a data-driven approach
TTC CEO Mandeep Lali said the initiative is part of a larger “data-driven approach,” which the transit agency will be focusing on moving forward.
According to him, early data from this approach suggest that the TTC has decreased delays caused by track intrusions last year compared to 2024.
“I’ve made it clear from day one that we’re taking the data-driven approach to observe how we deploy resources, key resources, at key times, to deal with issues of safety,” he said.
“I make sure that it’s direct, impactful and visible. All the initiatives that have been highlighted just enforce that with great vigor.”
More visible TTC staff and crisis workers coming during rush hour
The new infrastructure pilot is not the only measure to be implemented by the TTC to increase safety.
According to Chow, the TTC will also be ramping up the amount of visible staff across subway stations, trains, buses, and streetcars during rush hours. This includes security, service supervisors, and Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) staff.
“During morning and evening rush [hours], staff are doing frequent checks of vehicles, identifying and addressing problems in crowded trains. Safety coverage is also getting more responsive to what’s happening in real time,” she said.
This comes as Toronto police had already expanded its community policing program to the TTC last December.
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The TTC will also be further expanding its community service across the system, re-directing vulnerable populations to available support.
According to the mayor, since last year, TCCS staff have been able to direct 4,750 people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing.
“The answer to homelessness isn’t a subway car, and we are continuing to invest in new affordable housing and other indoor spaces for people to go inside.”
