TTC Praises New Law Protecting Transit Workers

Feb. 27, 2015

The Toronto Transit Commission is pleased the Canadian Parliament passed Bill S-221 - an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada that allows judges to impose harsher sentences on those convicted of assaulting transit operators. The bill received Royal Assent yesterday.

"The TTC would like to thank the Canadian Urban Transit Association and Senator Bob Runciman for their tireless efforts in getting this bill passed," said TTC Deputy CEO and Chief Customer Officer Chris Upfold. "Transit Operators are too often subject to assault. Bill S-221 provides that added protection needed to improve the safety of our frontline workers."

TTC operators are assaulted, on average, once per day, including punching, slapping and spitting, as well as threats of physical harm and death.