Women are a higher percentage of transit users than men. We already get hassled, harassed, groped. I have a clear memory of my mom being cornered on a subway car, w 3 small kids, when I was a child. Creating excuses for men in "plain clothes" to approach us is abominable, TTC.

@balkissoon And dudes are usually the ones that tailgate. Multiple times I’ve felt someone on my back trying to squeeze in through the turnstile. I usually yell at them but the last guy scared me and now I try to wait for the crowds to thin out to avoid that happening.

@namshine Ugh

@balkissoon This gives so much opportunity for increased charges of obstruction, when really, ppl just don't want to be harassed by random strangers. What does their ID even look like? All the fare checkers I've ever dealt with had clear uniforms and the presto checking machine.

@zeltserman Clear like see-through? 🤪

@balkissoon I had a situation where a FI was leering at me and pulled me aside to check my card after watching me tap my card and go through. There was no issue - it’s just bc he could. I have CPTSD - this triggered me severely. I will lose my mind if I’m approached by another FI. This is BS

@vagendaqueen That sucks.

@balkissoon How long before scam artists steal people's IDs and Presto cards through this initiative?

@VickiEssex Sheesh, Vicki. That's another question!

@balkissoon Excellent question and points.

@balkissoon I thought the future was going to be more, "Phasers set to stun," and less, "Siri: Call 911."

@balkissoon Canadianesque, them

@balkissoon Great question! I would hope at the very least they would present some sort of ID. I know that when I was attacked on the subway, the Transit cop (in plainclothes) identified himself, and showed the dude a TTC photo ID.

@balkissoon This statement is absolutely disgusting. It’s complete profiling. You cannot determine a person’s financial situation by observing them alone.

@balkissoon I will never repeat this enough but women need to carry their own weapons for self-defense and dissuasion. It works. No man will bother you if they see your knife. You need to demonstrate that you will not hesitate to strike. It will guarantee your peace of mind, trust me.

@balkissoon This is so important

@balkissoon If there’s a meeting about this, as a woman and a mother of a black boy I most certainly will be going.

@balkissoon @Beer_Browser My daughters are both teens and take the TTC on their own. We’ve had the “what to do if you’re harassed on the TTC discussion” but this takes it to a whole new level

@balkissoon As someone who has been violently assaulted three times on TTC/waiting for TTC if someone approaches me, I full on panic. Will there be a number to call to confirm the person is a real transit off.? Like you can do with 911 and a badge number before opening the door?