We all know that dangerous behaviour around transit systems, like train surfing or cutting across tracks, is extremely reckless and flat-out not cool (hate to break it to you). But did you know that sharing these videos on social media actually makes the problem even worse? 

It's true. Viral videos of these behaviours can influence others to try the dangerous stunts themselves, which is why Metrolinx is encouraging you to take action and immediately report any clips showing Toronto train surfers on all social media platforms. It can actually save lives.

Viral for the wrong reasons

While taking part in the virality of the video might seem fun at first, sharing, engaging, and reposting can push people to recreate it in hopes of making it big on socials. This is an essential reminder to everyone that fewer videos mean fewer copycats, and more lives saved.

Let’s be honest about it too, train surfing is downright foolish, and thinking you can get online fame from taking part in that behaviour and sharing it online is not worth the risk. Not only can you seriously injure yourself and others, but you can potentially die (it's happened), face criminal charges (it's happened), and influence someone else to do the same — no lie!

Save a life and report on every social media platform

It's not dramatic to say that lives can potentially be saved by reporting and flagging these videos. If you see a dangerous video, report it immediately on whatever platform you're using. It literally takes two seconds to do so and can have a huge impact.

Remember: Don’t engage with any videos showing dangerous transit behaviour and report it right away. That means no likes, comments, retweets, sharing, or forwarding! When it comes to viral videos, it's best to stick with sharing the cat snoring on autotune.

Staying safe on GTA transit

Safety means following the rules. Always stand behind the yellow line and stay alert, because trains can pass at any time and travel as fast as 140 km per hour.

No photo, video, or selfie is worth the risk. Your life is way more valuable than flexing on social media for complete strangers. 

If you see any dangerous behaviour taking place in real-time on the GO or UP Express network, you can also text ‘HELP’ to 77777 (that's five sevens), which will connect you to a Metrolinx Customer Protective Services dispatcher who can support you or connect you with local police services. To learn more about transit safety, visit the Metrolinx site. 

It’s worth repeating. Please do not share, like, comment, forward, or engage with any dangerous transit videos!  See something, say something. Safety is teamwork.