TTC expands real-time station surveillance program across subway system

The Toronto Transit Commission is expanding a safety pilot that uses live video monitoring, public address warnings and a customer reporting app at subway stations across the network. TTC board chair Jamaal Myers said the system, called subway assistance management, or SAM, will now cover all 70 stations. Staff monitoring camera feeds can issue warnings through station speakers if they spot issues such as smoking or vandalism, and law enforcement or special constables may be called if needed. Passengers will also be able to report problems through an app, which can trigger an immediate warning at the station. TTC officials said the approach is meant to improve safety alongside other measures, including more mobile officers, outreach workers and station upgrades such as better lighting and cleaner facilities.