(TORONTO – CANADA) – November 26, 2025
Canada’s major cities are grappling with growing anxiety as alarming statistics confirm a doubling of violence and assault incidents within key public transit networks compared to pre-pandemic levels. This surge threatens confidence in transit systems and presents municipal governments and transit authorities with a complex security and social challenge.
Recent statistical reports indicate that Canada’s eight largest cities, including Toronto (TTC), Vancouver, and Montreal, have recorded unprecedented jumps in reported violence incidents. These incidents cover a wide range of crimes, from verbal harassment and threats to physical assaults and stabbings, often targeting transit employees and everyday commuters.
This deterioration in safety has led passengers to express deep apprehension, potentially impacting their usage of public transit systems, which are the lifeblood of these cities.
Analysts and officials attribute this worsening situation to a combination of social and economic factors exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic:
Mental Health and Homelessness Crisis: The pandemic led to a deterioration in the circumstances of many individuals, resulting in an increase in homelessness and mental health disorders. Some of these individuals seek refuge in transit stations, increasing the likelihood of violent incidents.
Substance Abuse: The widespread crisis of opioid use and substance abuse in public spaces is cited as a major contributor to the rise in unpredictable and aggressive behavior.
Security Staff Shortages: Transit authorities suffered from shortages in staff and security personnel during and after the pandemic, leading to a lack of adequate deterrence.
Municipal authorities have not been idle and have begun implementing emergency response plans aimed at restoring faith in transit networks:
Increased Security Patrols: Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and other transit companies have decided to inject more resources to increase the number of uniformed and plainclothes security patrols in stations, trains, and buses.
Specialized Response Teams: Some cities are launching joint teams comprising police officers and mental health specialists/social support workers to provide immediate aid to individuals experiencing crises, rather than relying solely on arrests.
Technology and Safety: Surveillance camera systems and emergency call buttons are being reviewed and improved to ensure a faster and more effective response to reports.
The biggest challenge for Canadian governments remains finding sustainable solutions that do not solely rely on security presence but also address the underlying social and economic roots of the escalating violence crisis.
