Andy Byford explains passenger alarm system in YouTube video

TORONTO – The TTC has taken to YouTube to explain how and why to use the passenger assistance alarm in its subway trains.

The passenger assistance alarm is the yellow strip that can be found along the length of all the commission’s trains.

The video features TTC CEO Andy Byford and TTC spokesperson Brad Ross on an empty subway train talking about when and how to use the alarms.

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“They are there to be used in an emergency,” Byford said. “The first thing that happens is an alarm sounds. That alarm tells the crew there’s a problem.”

Some of the emergencies include medical emergencies, assaults and fire.

After the alarm is pressed, it alerts the TTC’s transit control centre which calls 911. The train then moves to the next platform, opens the doors and crews come to investigate.

And some of the new trains also feature an alarm that can be pulled which activates a PA system and CCTV camera so crews can see and talk with the person who pulled the alarm.