Rights for Everyone's Safety on the TTC

I was using the TTC on Sunday December 13th to get home. In the evenings (especially when it is this late, when I have bags to carry from work and when roads are slippery), I like to request the bus to pull into a quick stop between bus stops. Not only do I feel safer with my home in sight; I have shaved several minutes of walking. Usually, bus drivers are more than happy to do this, especially during the winter evenings regardless of my gender.

This time, I was abruptly reminded that this request stop was for "women only" and then the bus carried on driving (without stopping and only having one other passenger).

This is only the third time this has happened (the the driver rejected my request); however, I feel that incident should never have happened at all. I am writing to suggest that the "evening stop request" be made availble to all men, women and children travelling in the evening times and that every passenger's safety (especially in the winter time) be considered. The Toronto Transit Corporation has to believe that passengers will not abuse this opportunity; at the same time, should also believe that their employees can us their descretion whether to allow the stop or not (NOT based on gender). Being that Toronto has taken huge strides to become more inclusive and diverse in culture, ethnicity, abilities and sexuality/gender, this should be reflected in the transit system Toronto provides.

Not all women are more vulnerable to danger than men. Female riders do not pay extra fare to have their safety be protected (as people's safety should be protected for everyone). There are many individuals in Toronto who are transgendered as well. Being judged by the clothes we wear, the way we act and who we are should not be a factor in our safety when "Riding the Rocket".

With Toronto winning its bid for World Pride in 2014; I do not concede that we should take this matter lightly. For the days, weeks and months leading up to the event, Toronto will be home to many visitors from across the globe. The last thing I believe should ever happen would be for a man to be in a dire situation that could have been avoided by the opportunity to "request an evening stop".