Phoenix Valley Metro Creates Safety App for Riders

Phoenix Valley Metro Creates Safety App for Riders

When a rider uses the app or a text to report a non-emergency security incident, the operations center alerts security staff so they can find the corresponding train and respond to the report.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Nov 27, 2018

The Valley Metro in Phoenix, Ariz., has created an app to allow people to contact security while riding. The app is free to use on both Apple and Android devices, and riders who don’t have access to apps can report incidents by texting 602-253-7886, according to CEO Scott Smith.

When a rider uses the app or a text to report a non-emergency security incident, the operations center alerts security staff so they can find the corresponding train and respond to the report.

Smith said the app should be used for situations that are not urgent enough for a 911 call; for example, an unruly drunk passenger. According to the Valley Metro website, riders can also use the service to report human trafficking, maintenance problems, suspicious packages, vandalism and panhandling.

“It could be something as simple as a spilled drink that’s created a mess in the car,” Smith said.

The reporting service, via both text and app, are currently only available for use on the light rail.

“Right now we’re just using it on rail. We’re starting out there to see how it works and test the system on smaller scale, but we hope to be able to expand it to bus in the near future,” Smith said.

Smith believes the app will help improve the experience of Valley Metro riders.

“Our goal and objective is to make everybody have a safe and comfortable ride on our light-rail system,” Smith said.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.