TTC’s first subway barrier installation draws criticism

The Toronto Transit Commission has begun installing its first subway platform barrier at TMU station, launching a pilot program meant to improve safety on crowded platforms. Mayor Olivia Chow and TTC officials previously announced the plan as part of a broader effort to improve transit safety, which also includes more staffing, security, and outreach workers. But the program faced criticism after the TTC revealed the barriers would be steel fences with door gaps rather than fullheight platform doors. The pilot is expected to cost up to $2 million, while installing full platform edge doors across the subway system has been estimated at $4.1 billion. Critics, including Coun. Josh Matlow and transit advocate Andrew Pulsifer of TTC Riders, say the city should focus on better longterm solutions, although TTC officials say the rest of the gates should be in place by the end of September and the pilot will be judged by passenger feedback.