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.