Toronto is set to kick off a nine-month initiative to tackle the dangerous trend of drivers illegally passing open streetcar doors in the city. Starting on July 20, four TTC streetcars will hit the streets equipped with cutting-edge technology from Gatekeeper Systems based in British Columbia.
These specially equipped streetcars will operate on five popular mixed-traffic routes, including 501 Queen, 506 Carlton, 504 King, 511 Bathurst, and 505 Dundas. The cameras onboard will monitor the frequency of motorists disregarding stopped streetcars and assess the effectiveness of the system for potential automated enforcement in the future. During this pilot phase, no fines will be issued.
According to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, all road users must come to a halt when a streetcar opens its doors at a curbside stop. Those found violating this rule could face a fine of up to $183.25 along with three demerit points.
The decision for this pilot stems from the alarming number of daily incidents and close calls reported in Toronto. Recent data reveals that between 2014 and 2024, 141 individuals were struck by vehicles while boarding or disembarking from streetcars.
Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Ensuring the safety of our citizens while using streetcars is paramount. This pilot project marks a crucial step in curbing hazardous driving practices and safeguarding TTC passengers.”
Echoing the mayor’s sentiments, TTC Chair Jamaal Myers highlighted the urgency of addressing this safety concern. He expressed, “It’s concerning to witness vehicles recklessly passing by open streetcar doors, endangering lives. This pilot is a crucial move towards eradicating such behavior.”
TTC CEO Mandeep Lali emphasized that this initiative aligns with the organization’s broader modernization efforts. He added, “The insights gathered from this pilot will play a pivotal role in guiding our future decisions regarding the implementation and enforcement of such measures.”
The TTC’s journey towards camera enforcement has been long-standing, with formal requests for legislative changes made to the provincial authorities back in 2017. The awaited modifications were finally enacted in 2022, paving the way for the launch of this pilot program.
As Toronto continues its commitment to enhancing street-level safety, this initiative underscores the city’s dedication to addressing the persistent threat posed by illegal passing on its streetcar network. For more information on this pilot program, refer to the July CEO report.