A Toronto advocacy group is concerned that the new TTC cameras and use of force policy are dangerous for riders

A Toronto transit advocacy group is concerned that the new TTC pilot body camera program and use of force policy are targeting vulnerable people.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has announced a pilot program that will see 20 special constables and 20 traffic wardens wear body cameras, as well as a new use-of-force policy to prevent fare evasion.

The TTC plans to have on-board cameras on 14 dedicated police vehicles.

In a follow-up report from the board, the TTC's use-of-force policy now mirrors the de-escalation policy used by Toronto police, CBC reports.

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) has committed more than $200 million to body-worn cameras and is considered a “major project success” in 2022, according to their 2023-2032 capital budget.

The TTC has allocated more than $1 million in funding for body-worn cameras and in-vehicle cameras in the 2023-2032 capital budget.

READ MORE: Who allowed the body to be released? TTC special constables will soon start wearing the tracking gear early next year

The TTC will also begin implementing a Use of Force Policy to set guidelines for when special constables, fare inspectors and security guards should use force in the performance of their duties.

In response, the transit advocacy group TTCriders believes it risks allowing people to use force when they don't pay their fares, even if it's in self-defense.

TTCriders collected a series of tweets from community members expressing concern about the use of body cameras during board meetings.