How Safe is the TTC for Special Needs Persons?

Within the last few months we have had the misfortune to witness a number of scary incidents on the TTC but what is most concerning to me is how exposed disabled travelers are to future potential incidents of pushing and shoving off the subway platforms.

I am not going to call this a shocker or shaker; rather, I am going to label this as a grave concern. As someone who occasionally takes the subway, I feel very vulnerable and exposed. As a blind person, even more so.

A few years ago I almost became a statistic when an unknown person tried to throw me off the platform at Union Station. I was returning home from work and was standing against the wall at Union Station waiting for my subway when a stranger walked up to me and before I knew it he had lifted me off my feet and was walking with me towards the edge of the platform. I managed to scream and kick my way out of his arms but by the time some bystanders knew what was going on, he had managed to slip away into the throngs of persons. This incident greatly affected me and a few months later I quit my job because I was unable to handle the mental aftermath.

The subway continues to be Toronto's main system of transportation and for the most part it is safe but there are these times when incidents like the one that I described above happen and it calls into question the safety of those who are most vulnerable. I have spoken to several sighted persons who are worried about the increasing number of incidents on the subway. Incidents such as pushing of others off the platform, and incidents of gun play on buses and in subway stations. For seniors and persons with disabilities, the concerns could be easily described as twofold.

My question is this: Will the TTC be able to keep on providing safe travel for seniors and the disabled on its system? If so, how are they going to deal with safety precautions for these types of commuters? Will they make every effort to ensure that the concerns of these specific commuters are adequately addressed? Much for the TTC to think about.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your freelance writer and reporter wishing you a terrific day.

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