YRT enhances safety and security amid record ridership

York Region Transit (YRT) reports a decrease in the top three safety and security incidents last year compared to the previous year but also reports an increase in providing assistance to the public.

According to the 2024 YRT Enforcement and Security Report, YRT Enforcement reported more than 15,200 safety and security events last year. There was a 15 per cent drop in both disorderly conduct and crimes against property (which includes mischief and fraud in relation to fares) and a one per cent decline in trespassing.

“Ridership reached a record of nearly 24 million trips in 2024 as more people chose to use YRT to get to work and school, shop or visit,” says York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “This growth brings tremendous opportunity, but also a shared responsibility to plan and invest to ensure the service continues to be safe, secure and accessible for residents who rely on it every day.”

As part of YRT’s participation in the annual Cold Weather Response Plan and Heat Relief Strategy for people experiencing homelessness; transit officers are equipped with heat/cold relief packages for distribution for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. YRT reports an 18 per cent increase in assistance or aid to the public related to YRT, including supporting those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

YRT Enforcement is responsible for fare revenue protection across YRT Services. The evasion rate for 2024, specific to Viva Services, which uses off-board fare collection, was 5.03 per cent, which would amount to roughly $1.6 million in revenue loss, the Region reports. Throughout 2024, uniformed officers conducted more than 140,000 fare inspections and reported more than 7,200 evasions.

In accordance with the Joint Services Agreement, the York Region Transit Enforcement and Security Annual Report is submitted annually to the York Regional Police Services Board. YRT Special Constables are granted Peace Officer authorities under the Criminal Code of Canada.

“YRT continues to provide an essential customer experience as our service grows, including making over 100 service improvements and maintaining on-time performance above 90 per cent on all 121 routes, including conventional, rapid and on-demand,” says Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas, Chair of Public Works – Transportation Services. “Our people-first approach is integral to providing a strong and supportive transit environment.”