At least 141 people were hit getting on and off streetcars in last decade. The TTC is trying to change that

More than 140 people were hit by vehicles while getting on or off a Toronto streetcar over the past decade, according to the city's transit agency, a figure it says is both alarming and likely underreported.

In response, the TTC is launching a new six-week campaign to remind drivers that passing open streetcar doors is not only dangerous, but illegal. The traffic violation can result in a fine of up to $183.25 and three demerit points.

The agency says that 141 people were hit by vehicles while boarding or exiting streetcars between 2014 and 2024.

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green says the numbers are "concerning."

"About half of the people that were injured in those cases required hospitalization. We're talking about children, seniors, vulnerable population," he told CBC Toronto on Tuesday. 

"This is about ramping up and reminding people of the law, which is that when the streetcar stops, you have to stop," said Green.

The "Stopping saves lives" campaign will appear on billboards in the downtown core and play in traffic reports and other audio streaming services.  

"We Stop. You Stop" decals will also be fixed to the back of streetcars, the TTC said in a news release. 

Toronto police say they will work with the TTC to enforce the rules and educate people on traffic safety. 

"Everything that we do will begin with an education piece as well. We need to let the public know we're reintroducing the standard," Toronto police acting Supt. Matt Moyer said.

Moyer says drivers often illegally pass the open streetcar doors when they are distracted. 

"A lot of times, it's people not paying attention," he said. "If there's a streetcar present, exercise due diligence and respect for people getting on and off."

Earlier this year, the TTC announced also a pilot project to develop an automatic camera enforcement technology for motorists who pass open doors, capturing the incident and license plate information.

The pilot includes development, installation of cameras on four streetcars, and nine months of testing starting later next year.