My first walk with TravelSafer

As I step out of Robarts Common on a dark December evening, I catch myself checking over my shoulder.

Walking alone in the dark can feel intimidatingfor anybody⁠. I know this.

Still, I can’t help asking myself: ‘But isn’t the campus safe? Is it just my over-active imagination? Am I just being paranoid? Isn’t it embarrassing to request a walk this early?’

I’m referring to TravelSafer on the St. George campus.

The TravelSafer program is a free service offered 24/7, 365 days a year by the University of Toronto’s Campus Safety team for all members of the university community, including staff, students, and faculty.

Upon request, special constables and building patrollers are dispatched to accompany walkers to and from any location on campus, including nearby subway stations and streetcar stops.

Special Constable John Bongers shares that U of T is a safe community. “My main advice to anyone walking alone on campus would be to trust your gut. If for whatever reason you feel unsafe, never hesitate to call Campus Safety,” he says.

I follow his advice and access the TravelSafer program through the U of T Safety App.

One option is a virtual walk.

As I work my way up St. George Street, my location is shared with a dispatch officer who tracks my route across campus until I notify them with a tap that I’ve reached my destination. If there is an emergency, I can tap my phone and an officer will be sent to my location as displayed on the map.

For now, I request a physical walk.

Special Constable Veronica Martins walks with a student
Special Constable Veronica Martins accompanies a student (photo by Tianlei Wu)

Within minutes, Special Constable Veronica Martins rushes up, greeting me warmly. Any embarrassment about requesting a TravelSafer walk disappears.

As we walk, she tells me how one-on-one chats with TravelSafer walkers are her favourite part of the job and the importance of making the TravelSafer walk an experience for the student or staff.

“Community policing is all about connecting with people. My conversations range from connecting to walkers by simply getting to know them, to being the support they may need in what could be a stressful experience for them,” Martins shares.

“Overall, if I can help support the university community and provide some peace of mind, I’m happy.”

On my walk, Special Constable Martins points out a sea of blue lights shining in the distance.

She explains the blue light initiative, where red emergency beacons topped with blue lights all connect directly to a Campus Safety dispatcher, prepared to aid with any distress. With Special Constable Martins’ permission, I approach one of the red poles and press the button. Immediately, a reassuring voice rings out of the speakers.

“Campus Safety, how can we help you?”

A student with Special Constable Veronica Martins show U of T Safety App on their mobile phones
The writer and Special Constable Martins with the U of T Safety App open on their smartphones (photo by Tianlei Wu)

You can download the U of T Safety App from the App Store or Google Play or call 416-978-SAFE (7233) to request a TravelSafer walk.

January 05, 2023
Nadia Elkadri