Dear TCDSB Families:
For many students at the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), using public transportation is a daily routine. Riding the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) can be a convenient and efficient way to get around the city, but it is important to take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
In this list, we have compiled various safety tips that you and your family can follow when using the TTC to help feel secure and protected while traveling. From avoiding distractions to knowing how to use emergency systems, these tips will assist students (and their families) in having a safe trip.
TTC Safety Features and Personal Safety Tips
- Avoid distractions on your cell phone or other electronic devices.
- Keep the volume down on your music, so you can hear noise around you.
- Keep your head up and be alert of your surroundings.
- Be aware of places you can get help along your route, such as open stores and restaurants.
- In an emergency, press the yellow emergency alarm strip located above the windows, along the wheelchair positions and near the doors of the subway car. Remember that activating the alarm will result in a delay and misuse of the alarm comes with a $500 fine.
- Public telephones are located on all subway station platforms, at station entrances and in many bus and streetcar transfer areas.
- In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Calling 9-1-1 is always free. When police, fire, or medical emergencies occur, call 9-1-1. Trained emergency call takers will provide you with the information and assistance you need. Your exact location is on a sign near each telephone.
- Security mirrors are located at many points in the transit system. They will help you to see around corners or into other passageways.
- If someone falls on the tracks or is caught between the door of a moving subway car and the platform, you should cut power to the track using the nearest emergency power cut cabinet, located at each end of the platform.
- If you need help in a TTC station, go to a Designated Waiting Area (DWA) and use the intercom on the platform or at any elevator to contact station staff. They will contact emergency responders for help.
- As part of the Request Stop Program, TTC customers riding alone by bus between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. and who are feeling vulnerable can request to be dropped off between regular TTC stops. The request should be made at least one TTC stop ahead of the desired location and the driver must be able to stop safely to meet the request.
- TTC personnel can easily and quickly be identified by their uniform and distinctive TTC crest. If you ever need help or see something suspicious, report it to a uniformed TTC employee.
For more information about TTC safety tips, please visit the TTC Safety Guide page.
Thank you,
TCDSB Communications