TTC Ridership Growth Strategy 3

[JasonParis]

Wasn't expecting the Hammy Hamster reference. lol

 

[Northern Light]

I agree with the above sentiments.

I would add a non-TTC example of where we are going wrong here.....

I have a friend who works security at a downtown office tower. He has to summon EMS multiple times per week to deal with overdoses on the outdoor portions of the complex.

Standard procedure is that EMS administered Narcan, whereafter EMS waits a few minutes to see that the person is conscious and vaguely coherent then leaves.

That's right, they don't take them to detox, to treatment or hospital, they leave them out there..to go procure more substances and try to kill themselves all over again.

This is a cruel, sadistic abdication of responsibility. It leaves people homeless, hopeless and addicted .

I'm not going to fault the individual responders, this will be a policy decision from on high. Everyone bailing both due to lack of good in-patient treatment programs and a willingness to compel people to enroll; and then to help them get their life straight, not just toss them back outside where history will repeat itself.

Apathy and indifference aren't kindness or compassion.

 

[T3G]

It’s not about solving homelessness and addictions, but keeping them off the TTC.

Is it?

How are things better if you encounter these problems outside of the TTC? Is it okay if you see someone strung out on drugs in a park, or a coffee shop, or a library?

POP needs to be reversed.

How do you propose we do this? Have everyone file on through one door on the Flexity streetcars? We might as well pack up the transit system at that point, since it would be faster to walk.

 

[JasonParis]

I was at King Station the other day when a homeless person pushed through the barriers. A station attendant ran after him and said, “Next time, just tell me first and I’ll open it.” I get the intent, but this clearly isn’t a sustainable solution—and it’s a reminder of why fare inspections are needed system-wide.

 

[nfitz]

Because it’s not within the TTC’s responsibility or ability to solve society’s ills. Instead the TTC needs to recognize and work within the society it finds itself. This is a city with an issue with homelessness, addiction and mental illness, same as every major city in North America.

The TTC is a city agency, and its the city's responsibility. It's literally the same people calling the shots. To say otherwise is ignoring the problem.I

I was at King Station the other day when a homeless person pushed through the barriers. A station attendant ran after him and said, “Next time, just tell me first and I’ll open it.” I get the intent, but this clearly isn’t a sustainable solution—and it’s a reminder of why fare inspections are needed system-wide.

If relatively sober and non-violent, I don't see a big issue with this. But I think a complaint to TTC and the councillor is in order.

 

[Bojaxs]

Is it?

How are things better if you encounter these problems outside of the TTC? Is it okay if you see someone strung out on drugs in a park, or a coffee shop, or a library?

Seeing homeless people outside at a park or on the street is not the same as being stuck on a train with them when the doors close. That's the difference.

I don't want to feel as if I'm trapped with these people when they start having a psychotic episode, and I can't get away from them until the next stop. Particularly stressful for anyone who might have their children with them.