The TTC is sharing alarming numbers on World Suicide Prevention Day

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September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day.

In Toronto, TTC’s Brad Ross shared the alarming numbers of suicides that have taken place on the transit system.

“Last year, 19 people died by suicide on the TTC and another 26 attempted to end their life,” he said. “To date in 2018, 31 people have either died by suicide or attempted to die by suicide on the TTC.”

Earlier this summer, Ross confirmed that subway barriers may be coming to Toronto’s underground.

With a study currently taking place, he said the estimated cost would be at least $1 billion to install.

Ross also told Daily Hive at the time that the study will be completed in 2020, but there are no estimated dates as to when barriers would be installed – the study will inform that.

Last year, 19 people died by suicide on the TTC and another 26 attempted to end their life. To date in 2018, 31 people people have either died by suicide or attempted to die by suicide on the TTC. There is help and hope: https://t.co/4BvMrRrGjH #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

— Brad Ross (@bradTTC) September 10, 2018

Currently, the TTC also runs Crisis Link, a subway system suicide prevention program.

According to the TTC, “Crisis Link is a unique poster/payphone program available on every subway platform. It is designed to encourage anyone contemplating suicide to use the payphone at the Designated Waiting Area on each platform. The direct-dial button connects callers with a trained counsellor at the Distress Centres of Toronto.”

The phone call is free and confidential.

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