Security features

As Your Safety Partner, we are working to ensure that assistance is always close at hand on the transit system. The Your Safety Partner symbol identifies and highlights many TTC safety features.

Public Telephones

In an emergency, you can dial 911 from a public telephone. They are located on all subway and Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) station platforms, at station entrances, and in many bus and streetcar transfer areas. Calling 911 is always free. You will be connected with the Toronto Police Service Emergency Centre. Tell them what is happening and where you are. Your exact location is on a sign near each telephone.

Security Mirrors

Mirrors are located at many points in the transit system. They will help you to see around corners or into other passageways.

Designated Waiting Areas (DWAs)

DWAs are located on all subway and rapid transit (RT) platforms for your safety and convenience while you are waiting for your train. A DWA has brighter lights as well as an intercom, a closed-circuit television camera, a public telephone, and a bench to sit on while you wait.

On the subway, the DWA is located where the guard's car stops. The guard's car is easily identified by the orange or white light on the outside. On the RT, the DWA is located where the driver's car stops.

By getting on board from the DWA, you can continue your trip on a car with a TTC employee. It's easy to find the DWA: just look for the special lighting, the DWA sign, and the information panel.

Station Collectors

A Station Collector is on duty in a booth at the main entrance of each subway/RT station during operating hours. You can speak to the Station Collector through one of the microphones mounted on the glass. Station Collectors cannot leave the booth to provide direct assistance. However, they can contact emergency personnel and give you information.

Intercoms

Intercoms are located in Designated Waiting Areas (DWAs), in elevator cabs, at elevator landings and at entrances not staffed by Station Collectors. They let you talk directly to the Station Collector.

They should be used to report:

• Fire
• Harassment
• Illness
• Accidents
• Vandalism
• Threats to Customer Security

Passenger Assistance Alarms (PAAs)

Passenger Assistance Alarms (PAAs) are the black and yellow strips located above the windows and at the ends of subway/RT cars. Press the alarm strip immediately if you see or experience an incident that should be reported or stopped.

Intercoms should be used to report:

• Fire
• Harassment
• Illness
• Accidents
• Vandalism
• Threats to Customer Security

Here is what happens when the PAA strip is pressed:

• An alarm goes off in your car and also in the driver's and guard's cabs.
• A light on the outside of your car turns on so that it is easy for emergency personnel to see where the problem is.
• The driver calls for emergency assistance.
• The train stops at the next station and the doors open. The subway guard or the RT driver will check the situation and take appropriate action.