Toronto police streetcar safety blitz targets drivers, TTC commuters

There are few times when Torontonians are more vulnerable than when getting on and off TTC streetcars in the downtown core.

Now, Toronto police are running a three-day safety blitz with the goal of making those commuters more cautious about when they step onto the street. And, they'll be ticketing drivers who blow past open doors.

"We are dealing with this problem from multiple angles," Const. Clint Stibbe told CBC Radio's Metro Morning.

Stibbe said the TTC requested Toronto police step in after a perceived increase in collisions.

During the three-day safety blitz, officers are patrolling the busiest lines in the core during the morning and evening rush hours.

The goal isn't merely to hand out tickets drivers, be warned, passing a stopped streetcar comes with a $110 fine and three demerit points but to educate everyone sharing the roads.

"The more we can get the message out the safer it will make our community," Stibbe said.

Police are urging drivers and cyclists to:

• Scan the side of the road for pedestrians when approaching TTC stops
• Be prepared for the unexpected
• Don't be distracted by mobile devices

Pedestrians, meanwhile:

• Shouldn't step onto the street until the streetcar has stopped and opened its doors
• Should take time to check traffic has stopped before getting off streetcars

Stibbe admits police can't keep an eye on every stop, so the education efforts are especially important to create good habits.

Several commuters told Metro Morning they're in support of the blitz.

One commuter said it's "way overdue."

Another said they've been in a car that's passed an unloading streetcar, which they realized was a dangerous situation.