A new proposal might make the TTC go from being the "better way" to the safer way.
Officials with the Toronto Transit Commission are looking into installing security barriers on subway platforms that would protect commuters from falling onto the subway tracks.
Barriers are being seriously considered after three teens were pushed onto track level into the path of an oncoming train at Dufferin Station on Friday in what appears to be a random attack by a stranger.
The two teens survived but one was slightly injured.
A suspect, a 47-year-old Toronto man, is in police custody undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.
TTC Vice-Chair Joe Mihevc says barriers are a great idea, but an expensive one.
Barriers could cost between $5 million and $8 million for each of the subway's 64 stations.
If the TTC decides to invest in the barriers, it could still take years before they are installed because of other system upgrades that would be needed.
"It is something the TTC will be considering, however there's a timeline effect to this," he told CTV Toronto on Sunday. "The first thing we would need to put into place is automatic train control because the platform screens will open at very specific locations, we would have to make sure the train lines up with the door openings."
The security barriers were also proposed in 2002 but the TTC decided to pursue other priorities.
Several transit systems across the world have put up barriers to prevent people from committing suicide, tripping onto the tracks and being pushed.
"There are all sorts of good reasons to do it," said Mihevc.
In the meantime, TTC officials urge passengers to stand well behind the yellow line on the platform, as close to the wall as possible until the train has come to a complete stop.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Jim Junkin
