Toronto's mayor claims TTC safe despite recent incidents of violence
But John Tory believes some problems on the TTC and in the city can be linked to mental health and addiction issues
Article content
Toronto’s mayor claims the TTC is safe for riders and employees — despite a recent cluster of unprovoked violent attacks at subway stations.
“I know we all have been extremely troubled by the recent and unacceptable incidents of random violence we have seen on the TTC,” John Tory said Thursday, after meeting with TTC CEO Rick Leary, Toronto Police Chief Jim Ramer and other officials to discuss TTC safety. “We continue to hope for the quick recovery of the innocent people who were victims of these attacks.”
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Toronto's mayor claims TTC safe despite recent incidents of violence Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
“I am thankful that the Toronto Police and the TTC moved quickly to arrest those believed to be responsible for these attacks. This sends a clear message that illegal and dangerous behaviour on our transit system will absolutely not be tolerated – those who commit these terrible acts will be caught, they will be arrested, and they will face consequences.”
Tory said the city is prepared to provide additional supports for safety.
He said the police haven’t seen a spike in violent incidents on the transit system and they are committed to ensuring the TTC remains safe.
“Both the TTC and police service have committed to doing everything they possibly can do right now to address the public’s concerns and that they will never stop looking at ways to make the system even safer,” Tory said.
“Along with detailing the safety measures already in place in the system, the TTC outlined the plan underway now to focus security resources in and around the subway system. In the immediate wake of these incidents, I understand Chief Ramer will be working to increase the visibility of police officers in the City’s transit system throughout the coming days and in the weeks ahead.”
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Tory, Ramer and Leary agree some of the problems on the TTC can be linked to mental health and addiction issues.
“This is becoming a more and more acute problem for Toronto and other cities and has a considerable impact on safety and stability on the TTC and many other places in our city,” Tory said.
“Those experiencing mental health and addiction issues need treatment and support and this is properly the responsibility of the provincial health-care system,” he said. “We simply have to do more and do better and this will be an integral part of keeping the TTC stable and safe.”
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.