TTC using real-time announcements to call out ‘anti-social behaviour’ at subway stations

The Toronto Transit Commission says it has started using new technology that allows dispatchers to use live audio announcements to call out safety concerns on subway platforms in real time.

TTC Chair Jamaal Myers says the Subway Assistance Manager, or SAM, starting testing in April at Kennedy and Eglinton stations and is now rolling out system-wide.

Myers says through the use of cameras and a public address system, transit control staff can now spot “anti-social behaviour” such as smoking, loitering or vandalism and address it with an audio announcement, and if needed, dispatch law enforcement.

He says members of the public can take a photo of a safety concern and report it in the SafeTTC app, and transit control can subsequently issue a live announcement at the station advising the behaviour to stop immediately.

Transit control workers can also monitor CCTV in real time and use the messenger system if they observe a safety concern.

The TTC says the messenger system is among several safety measures, including a drone deployment plan across its transit network ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

In a live demonstration Wednesday, Myers took a picture of TTC Interim COO Fort Monaco pretending to smoke on a subway platform. Myers then reported the picture in the SafeTTC app, which alerted transit control.

“Attention customers at Kennedy Station. This is the transit control centre. Stop smoking immediately,” a voice over the PA system said. “You are being recorded. Police and special constables will be dispatched if you do not comply.”

The TTC says if the behaviour stops after the announcement, no further action is required.

The transit agency says customers are encouraged to report safety and security concerns through the SafeTTC app or by speaking with an employee.

By Rianna Lim