What to do in an emergency

Every TTC employee is prepared to help you. These employees include Operators, train guards, Station Collectors, Transit Enforcement Officers, supervisory personnel, and maintenance staff. They are easily identified by their uniform and TTC crest.

In Subway/RT Stations

• If possible, tell the Station Collector immediately about any emergency. You can use the intercom in the Designated Waiting Area (DWA).
• You can stop an escalator if someone falls or is caught. Push the red button at the top or bottom of the escalator.
• You can turn the track power off if it is necessary in an emergency. For example, if a person has fallen to the tracks or someone is caught in the door of a car and the train starts moving, you should cut the track power. Go to the nearest Emergency Power Cut Cabinet. There is one at each end of every subway/RT platform; it is marked by a blue light. The instructions on the panel will show you how to cut the power to tracks in both directions.

Emergency Evacuation

If there is smoke or some other emergency on the system, you may have to leave the station or the train. Here's what to do:

• Remain calm and listen - Follow TTC and Emergency Personnel instructions. Help children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Leave large objects such as strollers or packages.
• Follow train crew instructions - The train crew will direct you through the cars to one end of the train and out to an exit. On the Toronto Rocket (TR) train - when directed, go to the end of the train. Open the end doors and exit down the ramp. Be alert for tripping hazards. Avoid the electrified third rail - Do not step on any rails or track switches. Do not run in the tunnel.
• If evacuation to the end of the train is not possible, evacuate to the side doors where the tunnel lights can be seen (the platform/walkway side). Use the Emergency Door Opening Device located above the side exit door behind the Operator’s cab (some cars have this device above every door). Break the plastic cover; pull the lever; push the doors open - Watch your step. Be alert for tripping hazards. Avoid the electrified third rail - Do not step on any rails or track switches. Do not run in the tunnel.

On a Subway or RT Train

• If a person is caught in the doors and the train starts moving, you can stop the train by using the Emergency Stop Device. Emergency Stop Devices are located at the end of the car near or in the Operator's cab (they should not be used in the tunnel). On the Toronto Rocket (TR) trains, you can use the Emergency Intercoms.
• Use the Passenger Assistance Alarm (PAA) - Press for assistance for fire, harassment, illness, accident, passenger safety, and vandalism.

On Buses or Streetcars

• Bus and Streetcar Operators have alarm systems and two-way radios to summon assistance. In an emergency, Operators can call for help. They can also turn on an alarm to attract the attention of police or passersby. An Operator can turn on flashing lights on the outside of the vehicle.
• If you see a TTC vehicle with an alarm ringing or its lights flashing, call 911 from any phone and report what you see.

TTC Rules

The TTC has a by-law that forbids certain activities, including:

• smoking
• committing a nuisance
• loitering
• soliciting