By: Noor Javed News reporter, Published on Fri Oct 31 2014

Being kind on the TTC is about to become a lot easier.

The Toronto Transit Commission is in the process of outfitting all of its vehicles with a small number of bright blue seats that will distinguish priority seating for elderly, disabled and pregnant riders.

Their hope is that the very obvious blue seats will make help make the TTC “the kinder way.”

“We always say the TTC is the better way, but we want it to be the kinder way as well,” says TTC CEO Andy Byford, in a YouTube video. “Let’s all work together to make the TTC more pleasant.”

The priority seating program was initiated in April to satisfy provincial regulations that require all public transit vehicles to be equipped with priority seating for use by a person with a disability or physical limitations.

Blue seats in contrast to red give a very visible cue to riders about priority seating.

The blue plush seats will be put on the new articulated buses first,and eventually be expanded to all TTC vehicles over the next two years. Decals and posters will also be posted to denote the priority zone and give riders more information.

The hope is that the initiative remains voluntary, but transit operators will enforce the priority zone as much as they can.

An operator will ask if a customer can move to give up their seat,” said Byford, in the video. “But ultimately they can’t enforce that rule.” However, they will be able to call transit enforcement officers, who can issue a fine of $235, plus applicable charges for non-compliance.

But is it really the job of the TTC to force people to be kind?

“It would be awkward for everyone if it’s enforced,” said Allie Crawford, as she was getting on to the subway at Union station.

Others say the threat of a fine might help.

“Maybe if people know they could get fined, they will be more likely to give up their seat,” said Shaun Allen, who takes the TTC regularly. “But I would like to think people would, without being asked.”

The TTC is hoping for the same.

“We don’t want to go there (fines),” says Byford in the video. “We’re hoping that won’t be necessary. Let’s all be kind and considerate to our fellow customers.”
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2014/10/31/new_blue_seats_on_ttc_vehicles_make_it_easy_to_be_kind.html