TTC's steel barriers at TMU Station draw criticism from mayoral candidate Bradford

The TTC has begun installing steel platform barriers at Toronto Metropolitan University Station as part of a subway safety pilot, but the measures are already facing criticism from mayoral candidate and Coun. Brad Bradford, who argues they do not go far enough.

Bradford took aim at the new infrastructure in a social media video, calling the barriers "half fences" and arguing they will not prevent people from accessing the tracks. "These little fences don't prevent falls, they don't prevent delays. They don't keep anybody safe," he said.

The barriers are designed to help prevent people from falling or jumping onto the tracks. The TTC and City of Toronto announced the steel barrier pilot in May as part of a broader push to improve subway safety and reduce track intrusions. The pilot was inspired by similar barriers used in New York City's subway system. AI-assisted track detection cameras will also be installed at TMU Station to identify people on the tracks and alert staff.

The criticism centres on the difference between the new barriers and full platform edge doors, which transit safety advocates have long called for. Unlike the steel barriers, platform edge doors create a physical separation between passengers and tracks and open only when a train is stopped at the platform. Bradford said previous city studies recommended "real platform edge doors" rather than partial barriers.

The city and TTC have not abandoned the idea of platform edge doors. As part of the May announcement, Mayor Olivia Chow said Bloor-Yonge Station is being prepared for a future retrofit that would make it compatible with platform edge doors. However, installing doors throughout the subway system would come with a significant price tag—the TTC has previously estimated the cost at about $4.1 billion. The broader approach also includes more visible staff, security and crisis support workers during busy periods.