Toronto to Increase Police Presence on Transit System Following Spike in Violence

Police cars surround a TTC streetcar on Spadina Ave., in Toronto on Jan. 24, 2023 after a stabbing incident. The president of a Canadian transit union wants to convene a national task force as violent attacks on public transit reach what he calls "crisis levels." The Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey

Torontonians will see an increase in police presence as well as added social workers in and around the Toronto transit system, as officials address the recent spike in violence targeting passengers and employees.

Effective Jan. 26, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) will have upwards of 80 additional police officers in place throughout the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) system every day, TPS Chief Myron Demkiw said today in a press conference.