We all need a little excitement in our lives. But standing on top of a moving train will give you a lot more than you bargained for—it could even end your life.
There have been several incidents recently of people train surfing in the Toronto region, and that is a reason for serious concern. In July,
three people were seen riding on top of a Westbound GO Train near the Gardiner Expressway and Dufferin Street. In another incident in July,
two masked males carrying Canadian flags were filmed “surfing” on the roof of a moving TTC train in Scarborough, Ont. When the train entered the station, the two jumped off and fled the scene.
"No stunt, joy ride or social media video is ever worth risking your life," says Metrolinx spokesperson, Matt Llewellyn. "When things go wrong, there is unbelievable heartbreak for your loved ones after the police knock on their door."
Llewellyn adds that these illegal stunts don't just put the trespassers themselves at risk, they also jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crews.
“Surfing” on a train can be costly
Anyone caught train surfing can face criminal charges, potential jail time, and/or receive a fine of up to $10,000. But riding on the top of a train or subway car won’t just land you with a hefty fine or criminal charges. It could change your life forever—or end it altogether.
In June 2018, a
25-year-old Australian man was seriously injured train surfing in Revelstoke, B.C. He had to have several limbs amputated after falling off the train.
So remember: Train surfing might look cool in the movies, but a few seconds of fun could change your life forever. The only place you should ride a train, is inside it!