TTC CEO says he’s looking at uniform visibility, more security following string of assaults on staff
Global News
TTC CEO Rick Leary says several discussions are underway after a string of recent high-profile assaults on employees that include looking at uniform visibility and more security.
TTC CEO Rick Leary says several discussions are underway following a string of recent high-profile assaults on employees that include looking at uniform visibility and more security.
Leary spoke to Global News on Wednesday after mounting incidents involving assaults on TTC employees and said they are “talking about everything we can do to make this place safer for our employees. It’s critical.”
Just earlier on Wednesday morning, the latest incident, two TTC employees were chased with a syringe at Dundas Station. However, neither employee was injured.
On Monday, up to 15 youths allegedly attacked two uniformed TTC employees on their way to work by bus.
Then, on Saturday evening, a TTC bus driver was shot with a BB gun while she was waiting to take over another bus. Global News spoke to her, Alexandra Stoeckle, who said “I’m really grateful it wasn’t a bullet.”
When it comes to Stoeckle’s case, Leary said she is getting a list of items that other operators are concerned about and is going to sit down and speak with her.
“My discussions with her about really supporting them from a more visibility standpoint, having more managers, assistant managers out, talking to employees, getting that type of feedback,” Leary said. “You know, nothing is off the table, but they’re still driving the bus and people who know who they are.”
Leary also said the TTC board is focusing efforts on mental health as more longer-term action.