A new Reddit post is sparking concern about safety on the TTC, highlighting the need to be extra vigilant when using public transport in the city.
Shared by user sarah93m in the r/toronto subreddit, the post features a photo of what appears to be a syringe sticking out from under a passenger seat on a TTC streetcar.
The original poster (OP) told Narcity that she was travelling on the 501 eastbound into the city on the morning of Saturday, June 7, when she saw the syringe with its needle facing out towards whoever would be sitting there.
She said she reported it to two TTC staff members at the time, but, as far as she knows, the streetcar remained in service and the syringe was not immediately removed.
“We then reported it again by text to the TTC reporting line, and it seems they took all the information and passed it on to the [appropriate] individuals,” she told Narcity on Monday, June 9.
The comment section under the Reddit post quickly filled with shocked reactions from concerned Torontonians, as well as words of thanks to the original poster for sharing the photo.
“New fear unlocked,” one user wrote, while another responded, “More like old fear confirmed to be real.”
Another person added, “I’m honestly at a loss for words seeing this, I’m glad you didn’t get hurt, OP. Everyone needs to stay vigilant on public transit. Thank you for spreading awareness. I’ll be checking these places now before I take a seat.”
“Oh good. Sitting has been ruined for me,” somebody else said, while another added, “And here I was worried about bedbugs, Christ.”
The syringe was found underneath a seat on a TTC streetcar.u/sarah93m | Reddit
Speaking with Narcity about the experience, the OP explained, “Honestly I don’t know how someone could take this out without risking their own exposure to the needle.”
They added, “It’s a very small gap and whoever planted this made sure the needle faced out and would cause the most harm.”
It appears many in the Reddit thread were also concerned about how the needle came to be in that location.
“Placement looks intentional no? It would be easier to push it in the other way if the person was just looking to dispose of it,” one person said.
Another added, “This looks pretty deliberate.”
Although Narcity has been unable to verify whether the needle was placed there deliberately or how it came to be there, the image has raised concerns about passenger safety and awareness on public transit.
In a statement to Narcity, the TTC said they treat matters involving the safety of customers and employees as their top concern.
In response to the images and Reddit thread, a spokesperson said, “While we don’t know how this got there or what it was used for, we can assure customers that as soon as something like this is seen, reported or discovered, we immediately take the vehicle out of service and do a full cleanup.”
“Although it does happen in other public places as well, incidents like this are rare on transit given how many vehicles are in service at any time.”
It seems the TTC isn’t the only place Torontonians should be vigilant. In the comments of the thread, somebody else shared a similar image appearing to show a syringe sticking out of a unit in a public bathroom.
“I came across something similar in the Bloor-Yonge station women’s washroom. It’s a serious safety risk, especially for young kids,” they shared.
The person who snapped the TTC photo told Narcity, “I don’t blame the TTC for this, it’s a very odd and unusual spot for them to have to clean but seems whoever did this was deliberately trying to hurt others. If anything, the TTC knowing about it and knowing they now have to deal with these extra nooks and crannies when cleaning streetcars may help prevent evil people from hurting others in the future.”
Although it’s not certain how the syringe ended up where it did — or why — it’s a good reminder to be vigilant. Next time you’re on a TTC streetcar, the subway or a bus, or any other form of public transport, take the time to inspect the area before sitting down.
If you do see something that appears dangerous, let TTC staff know immediately.
This article’s left-hand cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
