In recent
columns I have asked readers to comment on the TTC’s response to
criminal incidents on the system. Here are some excerpts:
Suzan
writes, “It is very difficult for responsible citizens and good
samaritans alike to know what to do in ‘fine-line’ situations.
However... even when knowing what to do is obvious, and you go
ahead and do it, help is not always on the way and your best
efforts can be thwarted or simply ignored.”
Debra
writes about the requirement that TTC staff must “observe and
report” incidents where riders are being victimized. “I
have witnessed through the years countless times when passengers
were disruptive, threatening in their demeanour, or mentally ill
and should have been asked to leave the bus -- but the driver
ignored the situation.”
Lisa writes
that the “TTC is doing more than enough. Everybody needs to take
more responsibility for themselves, be alert of what's
happening, and stop thinking about suing everybody at every turn
of the road. TTC personnel have procedures that must be
followed.
“TTC should
not be sued because someone is assaulted by some nut on TTC
property... there's got to be a limit.”
Catherine
writes, “About three years ago I was assaulted on a TTC bus in a
bus bay at Kipling station, in front of the driver. Not only did
the driver not do anything about it (he turned his head so he
didn't have to look, and stared out his side window until the
incident was over), but neither did my fellow passengers. They
even pushed past me while I was being dragged by my hair down
the bus aisle.
“I was so
shaken, not just by the assault, but by the lack of response by
TTC staff and witnesses, that I took no steps at that point to
do anything. I didn't know my attacker and so figured that to
call the police was pointless.
“I did
write the TTC afterwards and received a letter that really
didn't say much except doublespeak about the TTC being committed
to safety.
“I have
learned from my experience that I'm on my own as far as personal
security is concerned. I had previously laboured under the
misconception that I was being watched over by my ‘Safety
Partners’ as the signs used to say.
“I can
understand and agree that TTC staff shouldn't have to jump in
the middle of fisticuffs. I also find it reasonable that ‘stuff
happens’ and one can't prevent every incident from happening,
but TTC staff DO have the responsibility to report to the
appropriate authorities if they witness crimes or medical
emergencies or safety issues. I think there is definitely room
for improvement.”
If you have
witnessed an example of TTC staff coming to your rescue or that
of another rider, why not send me an e-mail? Write to
transit@eddrass.com, and include your full name, city and
contact telephone number.
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