Woman calls 911 to say she was late for train, asks police in Ontario for ’emergency ride’

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – A 911 call from a woman who was running for a train has prompted police in southern Ontario to remind people that the number is meant for emergencies only.

In audio posted on Twitter by Peel Regional Police on Thursday, the caller says she's in a taxi on her way to catch a train at Toronto's Union Station.

When the 911 operator asks the caller wants she wants police to do, the woman asks if they offer "emergency ride services."

The call, which took place in October, ends when the operator tells the woman that no such service exists.

Const. Akhil Mooken says Peel Regional Police received more than 180,000 improper calls from the start of January to the end of October this year.

He says they included hangups, kids playing on the phone or other non-emergencies.

Being late for a trip is never ideal.

Calling 9-1-1 to ask the police to act as an "emergency" ride service, to get you there on time?

Yeah…not gonna happen.

Yes. This was a real call.#NotFor911#911Awareness pic.twitter.com/lBFItsGZ0r

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) November 21, 2019

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2019.