“The only way to stop crime on the TTC is to vote for my plan to stand up for TTC riders and staff and stop Olivia Chow’s police budget cuts." - Mark Saunders

Toronto – If elected Mayor, former police chief Mark Saunders will immediately crack down on panhandling, sleeping, and disorderly conduct on the TTC to keep riders and staff safe, while also focusing on bridging those who need help to the appropriate service.

Olivia Chow told the media on Tuesday that the TTC is safe. She couldn’t be more wrong. People don’t feel safe because of the randomness of the violence; but especially because of the disorder.

“I’m never going to accept disorder on the TTC. We must crack down on every incident, every time,” said Saunders. “Here’s what Chow doesn’t understand: the TTC isn’t a homeless shelter. The TTC isn’t a mental health agency. Its job is to move people from point A to point B, safety and quickly.”

By refusing to admit that there’s a problem on the TTC, Chow is not only hurting the riders and staff, she’s also dropping the ball on a serious plan to help those struggling with serious mental health issues.

It’s a trend for Chow. At a time when the TTC is reporting the highest levels of violence and disorder on Toronto’s public transit system, Olivia Chow won’t say how much she will cut police budgets. She has tried to defund the police before, and she’ll do it again if elected mayor.

“Olivia Chow must be stopped before the TTC crime crisis gets worse. Toronto cannot afford Chow’s cuts to policing at a time when so many people don’t feel safe taking transit,” said Saunders. “In this two-horse race, I am the only candidate who will fund police and stand up for TTC riders and staff. We don’t allow people to violate the rules and engage in disorderly conduct on an airplane, so why would it be allowed on a subway or bus?”

As Mayor, Saunders will:

• Stop panhandling and accosting of TTC passengers.
• Stop people sleeping in TTC stations or on seats.
• Raise fines and penalties for disorderly conduct at TTC stations and on subways, buses, and streetcars.

“It’s time to get serious and stop normalizing the situation. If you aren’t on the TTC to travel, you’re gone. It’s that simple,” said Saunders. “We must stop Olivia Chow and the only way to do that is to unite behind my campaign and work together to protect transit riders and staff.”