The call for beefed up security on Toronto’s transit system is being echoed by both Ontario’s New Democrats and a national labour union.

They’re calling for increased funding and staffing for public transit amid a wave of violence on the TTC.

Amalgamated Transit Union Canada president John Di Nino says the union is renewing calls for a national task force on transit safety led by the provinces.

Di Nino says transit safety issues are a national crisis that’s particularly impacting cities like Toronto and increased policing is not the only solution.

“Frontline transit workers are getting assaulted with deadly weapons, passengers are getting murdered on platforms and subway cars,” said Di Nino. “And the provincial government, just doesn’t give a damn.”

The Ford government says it’s not getting involved, with Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney announcing that her government has provided more than $1 billion to the TTC to spend how it sees fit, including on public safety measures.