Tips: Public Transportation Safety

  • Apr 26, 2010

The American Public Transportation Association reports that public transit systems in the U.S. and Canada topped more than 12 billion passengers last year.

However, public transportation crime is a persistent problem for many cities across both nations as it intimidates and discourages riders, many of them women. In fact, Canada's Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children reported that 58 percent of women feel worried while waiting or using public transit alone after dark.

"People who use public transportation can be especially vulnerable to violent crime. From parking lots to confined subway platforms to remote bus stops, the opportunity for crime is always there," said Larry Mays, director of transportation and logistics for ADT Security Services.

To help make public transportation safety a priority and keep commuters safer while using mass transportation, Mays and ADT recommend the following transportation safety tips:

  • Use well-lit, busy waiting and exit areas and travel through stations with security surveillance cameras. Security cameras and lighting are considered to be crime deterrents and public transportation safety necessities, so take time to plan your journey through stations and areas well equipped with both.
  • Never allow children to use public transportation alone. Children should always travel with a trusted adult along planned, safe routes. Teach children to stay away from the edge of train platforms and approach buses and trains only after they have come to a complete stop. Adults should also remember to create an emergency back-up plan in the case of separation.
  • Observe the behavior of others around you. If you ever feel uneasy or threatened by another passenger's behavior, change your seat, alert the driver or get off the bus or train when you are able. Commuters can contribute to public transportation safety by trusting their instincts and reporting what they see. As you leave the bus or train, make sure you are not being followed.
  • Look for an aisle seat if possible or sit near a driver or operator. Choosing an aisle seat gives you easier access on and off a bus or train in case of an emergency. However, it is important not to choose a seat too close to the door where thieves may have easy access to valuables.
  • Always keep your personal belongings close to you or against your body and keep an eye on them at all times. Never carry more than you can manage and aim to keep one hand free in case you have to defend yourself.
  • Park in well-lit parking lots and secure structures. The Federal Transit Authority reports that most public transportation crime occurs in parking lots or structures. Always look for parking lots and structures with security surveillance cameras and regular security patrols.

"Public transportation safety begins with commuters being aware of their surroundings, making safe travel choices and communicating with local authorities if they ever feel unsafe,” Mays said. “These transportation safety tips are a good reminder to help people reach their destinations safely."

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • 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