If I told you that post-traumatic stress was a by-product of being a police officer or a fire fighter, you wouldn’t think twice. In fact, you’d probably expect it. But somehow the thought of TTC operators suffering from the disorder does make you shake your head in disbelief, doesn’t it? However, the reality is that the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder is among Toronto transit drivers is approximately 4 times that of Toronto police officers.

Currently it is estimated that 200 TTC operators are suffering with the disorder. Before you just dismiss this, perhaps you are not aware of the abuse that is directed at TTC drivers on a daily basis. They are:
• Hit
• Punched
• Kicked
• Swarmed
• Slashed
• Shot with air rifles
• Spit at
• Cussed at
• Threatened

The public is deeply divided on how they feel about the issue. Many radio talk shows have been devoted to the subject and it seems that the majority of callers are not believers. In their opinions the Toronto transit drivers are manipulative union employees who have found a way to take advantage of the system. Is this really the way that the public feels or are the people with the most negative opinions the ones that are calling in the most frequently?

Whether or not you believe that Toronto transit subway, bus, and streetcar drivers are legitimately suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, the accepted claims are resulting in significant absenteeism. Below are the statistics from 2000 – 2005.
• 181 TTC drivers claimed that they suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome
• On the average they missed 49 days of work
• The total number of workdays lost due to post-traumatic stress syndrome was 9,000!

There is no denying that the public is becoming increasingly frustrated and hostile toward the Toronto transit system. Overcrowding, increased prices, frequent route changes, and unreliable schedules are the major complaints. Unfortunately the drivers are the front line and they bear the brunt from the disgruntled public. However, the question is whether this can account for such a high number of employees suffering from this debilitating syndrome. If the answer is yes, then why isn’t the TTC stepping up to the plate and doing something about it?