Public transit systems across Ontario are taking steps to improve safety and maintain reliable service amid challenging conditions. From piloting new bus safety technology in Toronto to providing free transit for students in Timmins during storm recovery, recent initiatives highlight how agencies are responding to local needs while keeping riders moving.

TTC Pilots Collision-Warning Technology on Buses

The Toronto Transit Commission has launched a six-month pilot program to test new collision-warning technologies designed to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and bus operators. The pilot equips 30 buses with a suite of features, including audible warnings for vulnerable road users, displays that reduce operator blind spots, and in-cab visual and audio alerts that warn drivers of potential collisions based on vehicle speed and proximity.

The buses will operate on several high-traffic routes, including Dufferin, Ossington and Rogers Road, where interactions between buses, pedestrians and cyclists are frequent. The TTC will use data from the pilot to assess the effectiveness of the technology, inform future bus procurements and determine whether the systems should be expanded across the broader fleet.

Timmins Offers Free Transit for Students During Storm Cleanup

In northeastern Ontario, the City of Timmins is offering free weekday transit for students under 18 as storm cleanup continues following a record-breaking December snowstorm. With many school bus routes still suspended due to ongoing snow removal and road safety concerns, students can ride Timmins Transit at no cost from Monday to Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

To access the service, students must have a reloadable bus card, available at the Timmins Transit station. The free rides will remain in place until all regular school bus routes are back in operation, helping ensure students can continue travelling safely while recovery efforts continue.