TORONTO – Two transit riders claim they saw an unprovoked attack by a TTC operator and are asking other potential witnesses to come forward after posting their story on Reddit.
On May 23, Colin McGovern and Mike Newell were on the 501 Queen streetcar when the incident happened.
The streetcar was stopped at the intersection of Kingston Rd and Queen St.
“We looked up at the front and there was a gentleman sitting in the seat directly behind the streetcar driver and he’s clearly intoxicated,” McGovern said. “So, we figure it has something to do with a fare dispute.”
Newell said he offered to pay for the man’s token but the TTC operator said it was not a fare-related matter.
McGovern and Newell said they witnessed the alleged assault shortly after.
“The doors open, the driver tells him to ‘get the eff off’, shoves him from behind,” said McGovern.
“I was fairly angry,” said Newell. “I think he overreacted and it was a heat-of-the-moment thing, but it’s still no excuse.”
The Toronto Transit Commission says the incident is under investigation.
“I understand that a complaint has also been filed with our customer service department and that the police were involved,” said Susan Sperling, communications manager with the TTC.
“Anytime that there is an allegation of improper behaviour by and operator, particularly physical contact, that is something we would obviously take very seriously.”
The pair said they decided to draft a Reddit post to ensure the TTC operator is held accountable for his actions.
“I just wanted to get the word out,” said McGovern. “I’m usually the guy siding with the TTC employee, but I would expect that the only time a TTC employee lays their hands on an individual is if there is a direct threat to either themselves or their riders and there was no threat at that time.”
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