They may be cutting
parking for Metropass holders, but if that gives TTC riders heart palpitations, there's now going to be someone there to treat them.
The Red Rocket and Toronto EMS have confirmed they've embarked on a pilot project to have paramedics ride the rails during rush hour on some of the busiest routes on the subway.
Officials made the decision after more than 4,000 riders and employees became sick or injured while riding the subway last year, delaying both transit and treatment. Passengers have become used to hearing announcements about an "ill passenger" as the trains sit idle in stations waiting for the go ahead.
The Red Rocket estimates it stopped service for more than 3,000 minutes last year - roughly 50 hours in total. But in a pilot project that began this week, EMS experts will be available Monday through Friday during the morning and afternoon based at Bloor Station but on patrol eastbound to Coxwell Station, westbound to Dundas West, north to Lawrence and south to St. Patrick.
In addition to saving lives and helping out the ill, TTC brass are hoping it will speed things up when you're in the biggest hurry - and can least afford to be delayed.
"The ridership didn't have to be delayed while we look after a sick patron," explains Dep. Chief Michael Neill of Toronto EMS. "It's actually a win/win for the citizens and the TTC and Toronto EMS because we can get care to the patient more quickly."
The paramedic will also have vehicles above ground.
The TTC is picking up the tab for the entire idea, which will continue until January 3, 2009 to see how well it works.