Toronto City Council passed a number of motions Thursday to address ongoing violence on the TTC, including calling for bail reform and asking for help in bringing cell service to the entire public transit system.
Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie’s motions asked the federal government to focus on bail reform, the provincial government to ensure proper plans are in place for individuals released from custody and that both levels of government invest in mental health and addiction treatment.
“The TTC needs to be safe for riders, the TTC needs to be safe for workers,” McKelvie said Thursday. “I don’t think any of us want to be in front of a camera and asked again what we have to say to the parents of a 15-year-old or a 16-year-old that has been killed on the transit system. It is absolutely horrifying.”
A 22-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in what police described as the unprovoked stabbing of 16-year-old Gabriel Magalhaes in the Keele Subway Station last Saturday.
There have been a number of other incidents, varying from disturbances to homicides, that have shaken public confidence in the TTC.
Councillor Frances Nunziata stressed that bail reform — ensuring people accused of serious offences aren’t immediately released back into the community — is needed across the city, not just for the TTC.
Several councillors expressed frustration with the lack of cell service on much of the system, hindering the ability of riders to report incidents or get help.
Council asked staff to report on a strategy that takes on the root causes of crime.
However, Council did not endorse a motion by Councillor Stephen Holyday to look at how to bring back a dedicated Toronto Police transit enforcement unit of at least 80 officers.
“Can we not find in a $16 billion budget something like $18 million to deal with perhaps the number one issue in the city right now?” Holyday asked. “Maybe there’s something that we can do here ourselves, something that we can do right now.”
Toronto Police have ended a temporary program that saw officers on overtime patrol the TTC, replaced by on-duty officers who include the transit system in their regular routines.
Post a Comment