A new TTC pilot project is using technology to target road users who illegally pass streetcars with open doors.
Starting on Monday, four streetcars along the Bathurst, Carlton, King, Queen, and Dundas routes will be equipped with cameras for the next nine months.
The TTC says these devices onboard will monitor how often cyclists as well as those operating e-bikes, scooters, and vehicles blow past them.
With the aim of improving rider safety, this pilot is being undertaken to test the reliability of the technology to use for future enforcement.
“We have to prove the methodology, prove what the results give us, and the see how we extrapolate it out,” TTC CEO Mandeep Lali told reporters on Monday morning.
Toronto Mayor Chow said tickets aren’t being handed out just yet, but they’re coming.
“We aren’t giving tickets yet, but we warned, we are looking at you, we know who you are,” she said earlier today following an unrelated news conference.
Road users must stop when doors open
When a streetcar stops, cyclist and roads users behind it must stop so transit users can get on and off safely.
According to the Highway Traffic Act, passing a stopped streetcar can result in a $183 fine and lead to the loss of three demerit points.
The TTC also reminds those riding the streetcar through an audio message to watch for traffic when they enter and exit.
Despite those efforts, the city’s transit agency says between 2014 and 2024 141 people were hit by vehicles either getting on or off the streetcars.
TTC riders weigh in on safety, pilot project
“I’ve gotten off streetcar and almost been hit by cars, I’ve been getting on and they drive by. It’s a danger and should have been take of it a long time ago,” one rider told CTV News Toronto on Monday.
“The ones who are driving cars, they don’t notice the lights that are flashing and they actually drive pretty fast so I think it’s pretty good for us,” added another.
While most streetcar riders we spoke with are welcome the technology, some drivers and cyclists say there are other factors to consider.
“A lot of pedestrians also don’t look when they leave the streetcar, so it’s two factors colliding into one and it’s making it a worst situation,” one man said.
Another man who spoke with CTV News Toronto said it’s a question of who enforcement is done.
“I think it should just be enforced by just police officers instead of having cameras everywhere, so that’s my opinion as a cyclist. I also ride motorcycle and (drive) a car so I understand why they are trying to do this, but I’m not a big fan,” he said.
“There should be more safety around it, I know some countries they have the streetcar on that right lane so that you don’t have to stop the traffic to go straight through,” added another.
