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TIPS for Safe Transit Commuting - From the desk of Cst. Longley

Here is a very useful safety information from VPD Cst. Longley. South Vancouver Community Policing Centre promotes and encourages everyone to:
"BE PREPARED"
"BE SMART" and
"BE SAFE"

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Tips for Safe Transit Commuting

Constable Longley,
Business Liaison, Vancouver Police Department

With the 2010 Winter Olympics just around the corner, and the opening of the Canada Line, many more people who work downtown are using BC Transit services for their daily commute. VANOC is hoping for a 30% reduction in single vehicle car commuters during the Olympics, and with the "greening" of Vancouver, there has never been a better time to venture into the world of commuting by transit.

The Transit Police Service (South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Police Service) is the police agency that delivers policing services to the multiple modes of the transit system, including the SkyTrain, West Coast Express and Seabus. They work in partnership with police officers from the municipal agencies and RCMP detachments in the Lower Mainland to provide enhanced safety and security for the travelling public.

The following safety tips have been provided by the Transit police, and they encourage you to promptly report any suspicious activities to them. When you dial 9-1-1 to report something suspicious occurring on transit property, you will automatically be connected to the Transit Police.

SAFETY TIPS:


  • Plan your route ahead of time, including the time you plan to travel (Translink website has excellent route planning at www.translink.ca).

  • Wait in well-lit areas for your bus or train.

  • Do not draw attention to yourself by flashing money or expensive items/electronics.

  • Keep your purse and belongings close to your body in crowded areas.

  • Always stay well behind the yellow line until the train has come to a complete stop at SkyTrain stations.

  • Scan the interior of the train before boarding to ensure you feel comfortable and that there are other passengers on board. Change cars if you are not comfortable.

  • Sit near the doors in a highly visible area, and sit in an aisle seat to avoid getting blocked in by another passenger.

  • If someone is bothering you, change seats and tell a transit employee as soon as you can.

  • Do not hesitate to call for assistance if you feel your safety is in jeopardy in any way.

There are various safety features on the SkyTrain that you should also become familiar with:

SAFETY FEATURES on the SKYTRAIN


  • On the platform there are Designated Waiting Areas (DWAs) or safety zones located in view of a closed circuit TV. In this area, there is also an emergency phone and an emergency train stop button.

  • On the train there are emergency speaker phones which connect directly with transit personnel. There is also a yellow emergency strip along the interior windows that activates a silent alarm to SkyTrain staff.


For more information about the Transit Police, please visit their website at www.gvtaps.bc.ca or email them at contactus@gvtaps.bc.ca.

Their non-emergency number is 604-515-8300.

Think about your safety, plan your route, and enjoy the ride!


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