Mayor Chow announces new strategy with increased safety and security staff to boost safety and confidence on transit
November 6, 2025
Mayor Olivia Chow today launched an action plan to enhance safety across the city’s transit system.
This initiative is powered by an expanded safety and security force funded in the 2025 budget, including TTC staff, Streets to Homes outreach workers, LOFT’s Multi-disciplinary Outreach Team, Toronto Community Crisis teams, TTC Special Constables, Provincial Offence Officers, safety ambassadors, and contract security guards, as well as Toronto Police Services.
The TTC’s Community Safety, Security, and Well-being Plan 2024–2028 plan was approved this week by the TTC Board. The comprehensive six-point plan aims to further enhance safety for both customers and employees, while boosting public confidence in the TTC.
Standing alongside TTC Special Constables, Provincial Offences Officers, and many of the 160 additional, high-visibility TTC station employees made possible by a $31 million investment in the 2025 budget, Mayor Chow emphasized the importance of transit safety.
“Whenever you need help on our transit system, help is here for you – thanks to all the people standing behind me today: our TTC Special Constables, Provincial Offences Officers, station staff, and crisis workers,” said Mayor Chow. “Our investment in resources and our unwavering focus on safety are making a real difference for riders and employees. We are committed to ensuring every Torontonian feels secure on our transit network, every day.”
“By listening to our community and acting on feedback, we’re building a transit system that puts people first,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “The downward trend in offences and the increase in safety resources are a testament to our proactive approach to TTC safety. Our partnerships and investments are delivering results.”
“The Community Safety, Security, and Well-being Plan is our commitment to customers and employees that safety and security is our cornerstone,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “We’ve expanded high-visibility teams, improved incident response, and strengthened social supports. The data show our approach is working, and we will continue until every customer feels safe, every trip.”
As part of the plan, the TTC is taking steps to strengthen its approach to addressing fare evasion and activities not directly related to transit use, with a focus on fairness and consistency across the network. Staff will continue to use discretion and, where appropriate, connect individuals with specialized support services, recognizing the complex challenges some may be facing.
Today’s announcement builds on the recent commitment to embed Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) crisis worker teams on TTC subway platforms along the “U” on Line 1, between Spadina and Bloor-Yonge stations. Beginning November 15, these teams will be available 24/7, providing dedicated support to riders in need of mental health support and further strengthening safety across the transit network. The crisis teams can be reached through the SafeTTC app, by speaking to a TTC employee or calling 211.
About the TTC’s Community Safety, Security and Well-being Plan (2024–2028)
The TTC’s Community Safety, Security and Well-being Plan (2024–2028) is a comprehensive strategy designed to make Toronto’s transit system safer, more secure, and more welcoming for all.
The plan focuses on six key elements: collaboration and partnerships with city agencies and social services; clear communication and public awareness campaigns; active engagement with riders and employees; robust procedures and training for staff; ongoing improvements to vehicles, stations, and facilities; and data analysis and monitoring of safety metrics.
Through high-visibility teams, expanded crisis support, enhanced outreach, and continuous evaluation, the TTC is committed to reducing offences, increasing customer satisfaction, and fostering a compassionate, people-first transit environment.
Adding TCCS crisis workers to service Line 1 bolsters the range of high-visibility safety and social supports already working in the system, including:
• 160 additional TTC staff and supervisors in stations and on platforms, compared to 2023
• 137 TTC Special Constables, and more in training
• 111 Provincial Offences Officers and 13 Provincial Offences Officer Supervisors
• Streets to Homes outreach staff
• LOFT’s Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team
• Community Safety Ambassadors
Progress Since Initiation of the Multi-disciplinary Approach:
• Offences have reached three-year lows, with offences against customers down 28% since December 2022 and offences against employees down 38% since January 2023.
• Customer satisfaction with personal safety has risen from 57% to 64% between 2023 and 2025, with a goal of 80% by 2028.
• Customer complaints related to safety have dropped by 56% since January 2023, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
• Overall satisfaction with the TTC climbed from 72% in July 2025 to 75% in August 2025, aiming for 85% by 2028.
• Use of the SafeTTC app has grown by 9% since July 2025.
Enhanced Safety Measures:
• Over 32,000 cameras now monitor the TTC system.
• Provided de-escalation training to frontline employees and enhanced employee support systems.
• Established a program with auxiliary police to conduct community safety events in partnership with Toronto Police Service20 Community Safety Ambassadors who engage with vulnerable individuals and those with complex needs.
• Launching the Toronto Community Crisis Service pilot to support people experiencing mental health crises.
• Expanded partnerships with Streets to Homes and LOFT/M-DOT to support persons experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, providing 24/7 support.
• Naloxone is available at all stations and facilities to address the drug toxicity crisis.
• Implemented program to enhance cleanliness and state-of-good-repair at six stations.
• Bus operator barriers extended to prevent operator assaults.
• A public-facing dashboard tracks key safety metrics and guides resource deployment.