Riding TTC with Confidence: What to Know Before You Go

Commuting looks different for everyone, especially as routines shift and workplaces evolve. Whether you travel by transit, bike, foot, carpool, or electric vehicle, feeling confident on your commute can make a meaningful difference.

The Commuting with Confidence series shares practical, everyday tips to help you feel more comfortable, aware, and prepared on your journey – no matter how often you commute or what mode you choose. These tips are designed to support safer, more confident travel as you return to the office and navigate changing schedules and seasons.

Below is a snapshot of commonly recommended safety tips from TTC that can help make everyday transit trips feel more predictable and comfortable.

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

The TTC moves thousands of people every day, and safety depends on shared awareness and following key guidelines across stations, vehicles, and platforms.

Stay Off the Tracks

Entering the subway tracks is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited. The rail that powers subway trains carries high‑voltage electricity and even brief contact can cause serious injury or death. Going onto the tracks can also disrupt service and affect thousands of riders systemwide. If an item such as a cellphone falls onto the tracks, do not attempt to retrieve it and instead notify a TTC employee or use a Passenger Assistance Intercom for help.

If you see someone on the tracks, alert TTC staff immediately or use the intercom located in the Designated Waiting Area.

Use Designated Waiting Areas (DWAs)

Every subway platform features a Designated Waiting Area, which offers enhanced lighting, seating, security cameras, a public phone, and a Passenger Assistance Intercom. DWAs provide a visible, accessible place to wait and to request help or information from TTC staff.

What to Do in an Emergency

In the event of an emergency on a subway, bus, streetcar, or in a station, TTC staff and emergency services will guide customers to safety. Stay calm, listen for announcements, and follow instructions. You may be asked to move through vehicles, leave behind large belongings, or exit using specific doors or pathways.

Customers who cannot self-evacuate, including those using mobility devices, should wait in a Designated Waiting Area where TTC or emergency personnel will arrange assistance.

Vehicle and Station Safety Tips

Stand well back from platform edges and hold handrails or poles when riding
Remove backpacks when standing to avoid crowding or hitting others
Wait for vehicles to stop completely before boarding or exiting
Use elevators for strollers, carts, or mobility devices rather than escalators
Move carefully through stations to reduce slips, trips, and falls

On buses and streetcars, board only at designated stops and speak with the Operator if assistance is needed.

Reporting Safety Concerns

If you feel unsafe or witness an emergency, use the yellow emergency alarm on a subway train, reach out to TTC staff, use the SafeTTC app, or call 911. Emergency systems should only be used for urgent situations, and misuse can result in fines. External cameras on TTC vehicles support incident investigations and enhance overall safety for customers and staff.

1. Get the SafeTTC App

The SafeTTC App is available on IOS and Android. You can use the app to discreetly report harassment, suspicious activity, or safety concerns using photos, text, and videos. The app was created with the subway in mind, which is why if you send a report when cellular connectivity may be limited, the report will be stored and sent automatically as soon as you are connected. TTC’s transit control centre monitors submissions 24/7. You may also report any concerns by texting (647) 496-1940 or use the webform.

2. Special Constables

TTC Transit Special Constables play an important role in keeping customers and employees safe across the system. Trained in areas such as de‑escalation, mental health response, overdose prevention, and emergency support, they provide assistance beyond law enforcement and are often visible throughout stations and vehicles.

In addition to enforcing TTC bylaws and responding to incidents, Special Constables act as customer support resources—answering questions, helping navigate the system, and offering reassurance during difficult situations.

3. Crisis Link

The TTC in partnership with Distress Centres of Toronto and Bell Canada, offers the Crisis Link program to provide hope for individuals at risk of suicide. Crisis Link is available on every subway platform through payphones located in Designated Waiting Areas. A direct‑dial button connects callers to trained counselors, free of charge and in confidence. Counsellors assess risk and, if needed, coordinate with TTC Transit Control to ensure the individual’s safety.

Ready to Take Transit with More Confidence?

For our workshop on Building Public Transit Confidence, we have partnered with representatives from TTC and GO Transit. This session provides essential safety tips for commuting by transit. Employees will learn how to travel confidently and securely across Toronto. This workshop meets them where they are and can be done remotely or in-person. Contact Warren Burnett (Business Development Manager) to learn more about our free Commuting with Confidence workshops.

Want to Feel Confident on Every Part of Your Commute?

Confidence looks different for everyone and that’s okay.

Your commute should support your life, not add unnecessary stress to it. Whether you’re easing back into in-person work, trying a new mode, or adjusting your routine with the seasons, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress and comfort over time. Our Commuting with Confidence workshops can give you the boost you need with personalized commuting tools and advice.

Explore the rest of the series:

This post is part of the Commuting with Confidence series — practical guidance to help every employee navigate their journey safely and confidently, whatever that journey looks like.