It's a plan that's already in place in Tokyo, Paris (pictured), London and other major transit hubs, but could subway platform barriers soon be coming to Toronto?
In the wake of a terrifying event Friday that saw
two teens shoved onto the tracks at Dufferin Station, it's looking more and more likely.
"There are security reasons for doing it, safety reasons for doing it - but also efficiency reasons," noted city councillor Joe Mihevc.
But it won't be happening anytime soon.
Right now trains are manually controlled, but safety barriers require an automatic system, which won't be installed for another seven years.
"We are at the beginning of installing that system on the Yonge-University line, and that won't be ready till 2016," Mihevc revealed.
And that's if they're implemented at all. One big barrier to the barriers is the price: it would cost the cash-strapped system anywhere from $5 million to $8 million per station to implement the devices.
The safety guard would open at the same time as the train doors, preventing riders from falling onto the tracks.
And, to many, that's reason enough to consider the change.
"I think it would be a good idea. Personally I always stand back. I think you're crazy if you go too close," stressed subway rider, Tony Wakelin.
The barriers would also reduce the amount of litter, and could stop passengers from "rushing" the train and blocking the doors.
Meanwhile, the TTC is warning riders of a much bigger delay. As of Sunday Feb. 15, all
subway stations from Eglinton to Finch will close an hour and a half early six days a eek.
Crews are doing massive repairs to the Yonge Line tunnel, but won't be working Saturday nights.
They will be on the job Sunday through Friday for the next two years.
Man Arrested After Teens Pushed Onto Subway Tracks
TTC Ponders Subway Barriers To Reduce Accidents And Delays (October 2008)
Subway Delay Details
Buses will be running between Eglinton and Finch stations, picking up passengers at the following platforms:
- Eglinton Station
- Lawrence Station
- York Mills Station
- Sheppard-Yonge Station
- Finch Station
North York Centre Station will close at 12:30am.
Customers who use mobility devices, or who want to avoid stairs and escalators, should use the elevators at the south end of Eglinton Station to transfer between the subway and the buses.
Finch, Sheppard-Yonge, York Mills, and Lawrence stations will remain open for bus service. Eglinton Station will remain open for bus service and southbound train service. Trains on the Sheppard Subway will continue to operate.
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