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TRANSIT WORKING GROUP RAMPS UP EFFORTS TO ADDRESS INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE


Published March 31, 2023.

OTTAWA (March 31, 2023) – Yesterday, the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) announced the acceleration of work by its Safety and Security Taskforce to address root causes of violence on transit and advocate for real-world solutions.

With an increasing number of incidents of violence and harassment on public transit systems, CUTA recognizes the need for immediate action to ensure the safety and security of transit riders and workers. The taskforce was formed in 2022 and is composed of representatives from transit systems across Canada who work collaboratively to identify solutions and strategies to prevent and respond to violent incidents.

“Violence has absolutely no place on Canada’s public transit systems. We take the safety and security of transit riders and workers very seriously, and we know that many of our member transit systems have been facing increasing challenges with violence on their systems,” said CUTA President and CEO Marco D’Angelo. “The work of our Safety and Security Taskforce is important in addressing these challenges and ensuring that our transit systems remain safe and accessible for everyone.”

The taskforce is accelerating work on a set of recommendations for improving safety and security measures on transit systems, as well as engaging with all levels of government and other stakeholders to address broader societal issues that play out on public transit .Public transit systems reflect the communities they serve. Issues, such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, and mental health, when left unaddressed, can impact transit systems.

“We know that no single solution can address the complex issue of violence on public transit, which is why we are bringing together experts and advocates from different fields to work collaboratively on this important issue,” said D’Angelo. “We are committed to taking decisive action to ensure that public transit remains a safe and accessible mode of transportation for all Canadians.”

CUTA’s Safety and Security Taskforce plans to release its recommendations to its members in spring of 2023.

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Media Contact:
Communications and Public Affairs
Canadian Urban Transit Association
[email protected]