Police boost presence on TTC in wake of violence, commuter reaction mixed
Global News
Commuter reaction appeared mixed on Friday as Toronto police boosted their presence on city transit in the wake of recent violence.
Commuter reaction appeared mixed on Friday as Toronto police boosted their presence on city transit in the wake of recent violence.
Police announced a day earlier that more than 80 officers would be at Toronto Transit Commission locations to reduce victimization, prevent crimes of opportunity and enhance public safety. That came after a series of violent cases on the TTC, including stabbings, BB gun shootings and an alleged swarming.
Damira Pan, a transit user, said she has witnessed violence on transit in the past and having extra officers at subway stations made her feel safer.
“It is a good idea,” she said after getting off a train at a downtown subway station on Friday morning. “I am always looking out for officers in case I am concerned about my safety.”
Pan said the presence of police is especially needed during rush hours, when subways, buses and streetcars can get particularly crowded.
Seungbin Yoo, another commuter, said a visible police presence on transit could prevent violence, including potential hate crimes.
He said he has been feeling unsafe using transit since the COVID-19 pandemic began because of his Asian features and the anti-Asian sentiment that surfaced around the pandemic.
“I feel very unsafe to use especially the streetcars at nights,” he said.