TORONTO – In a repeat of last year’s campaign, the Toronto Transit Commission is reminding commuters not to leave the safety of subway platforms to lick the tracks.
“You’re not impressing anyone, and you’re slowing down service” said TTC spokesperson Brad Ross, “If transit users could commit to remaining on the subway platforms, we wouldn’t have to shut the power down while we pick someone off the track because they forgot they have a pacemaker”.
The activity is popular in Toronto, where many see it as a game. Several residents reached for comment said they have licked subway tracks at least once, while one intrepid subway user said she has licked the tracks of every stop along the Bloor-Danforth Line.
Posters have appeared in many subway stations with slogans like “Don’t Lick, Rick”, and “Keep Your Tongue Away, Fey”. The posters are just the beginning of the multimedia campaign, with radio and TV ads set to roll out over the next week. The ads will feature Canadian celebrity Jason Priestley politely requesting that commuters find safer ways to pass the time like looking at their smartphones or standing there silently doing nothing.
There are some who feel the TTC is overreacting.
“I don’t see what’s wrong with licking subway tracks,” says University of Toronto student Navtej Marwah “It’s a lot of fun and I once read a study that said it’s safer than shaking hands. Well, maybe not safer, but definitely more hygienic.”
The TTC is also looking to curb other dangerous behaviours, such as holding on to streetcars while skateboarding or attempting to high-five subway drivers while the subway is in motion.
