TTC Pilot Project Uses Cameras to Spot Illegal Streetcar Passing

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in Ontario, Canada, is launching a pilot program that will use cameras to monitor, and possibly enforce, rules intended to keep passengers safe when entering or exiting a streetcar. While it is illegal for road users (such as cars/vans, motorcycles, mopeds, e-bikes, bicycles, scooters) to pass the streetcar while doors are open at a curbside stop, multiple violations and near misses occur every day. Approximately 150 passengers have been hit over the past decade.

The nine-month pilot program will equip four streetcars with cameras to measure how often road users illegally pass open streetcar doors. It will also test the technology’s reliability for automated enforcement. The offense carries a fine plus demerit points.

“Every day, our customers and operators see vehicles blow past open streetcar doors, putting people at risk,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “This pilot is an important step toward ending that behavior and making sure everyone gets on and off the streetcar safely.”

TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali reiterated the importance of safety at TTC and putting customer safety first. He said the pilot will provide insight into the extent of the problem and provide the needed data to make informed decisions about broader rollout and enforcement.