As we prepare Elerts Corp plans to show our favorite transit drivers our appreciation, there is a looming problem that is extremely difficult to ignore. Attacks on transit drivers are happening more frequently, ranging from verbal outburst to extremely violent assaults. It is hard to believe that drivers are being attacked so openly, even with video surveillance and increased awareness of the issue.
Elerts offers a See Say app that allows riders to instantly and discretely report safety and security concerns. Physical and verbal assaults on transit drivers have been reported with Elerts app. Riders report what they see & hear and can send a photo/video, plus a GPS map identifying the incident location. This reporting app enables real-time 2-way communication between rider and console operator, without a word being said.
Because Elerts offer this product, ongoing research occurs geared toward increasing the safety of transits and transit riders. We felt compelled to re-share this information, disturbed by the reality faced by transit drivers.
Best practice recommendations included:
- Installing protective barriers, video surveillance, automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems, and overt or covert alarms on bus and rail transit vehicles.
- Training safety‐sensitive employees about how to de‐escalate potentially violent situations, the important of reporting assaults, and the standard agency response to reports of assault;
- Educating the public about reporting assaults by conducting public awareness campaigns, providing resources and incentives for passengers to report assaults, and meeting with passengers to discuss strategies for preventing assaults;
- Enforcing transit agency policy by posting passenger codes of conduct, suspending service for assailants, posting police officers on transit vehicles and property in high‐risk areas, providing legal support for transit workers who file complaints, and collaborating with other agencies and organizations to develop social safety plans and advocate for changes in state and local legislation to better address assaults against transit.
- Collecting data regarding the number, location, times, and types of assaults.
Preventing Transit Worker Assaults Rule — The FAST Act requires FTA to issue an NPRM to establish “rail and bus safety standards, practices, or protocols” for “protecting rail and bus operators from the risk of assault.”
Elerts Corporation provides an easy to use incident reporting app for riders to report what they see without having to say a word. Police receive incident information and can establish 2-way communication between riders and console operators.
Elerts is the leading provider to Mass Transits for See Something Say Something apps. With years of experience, the Elerts system is proven to deliver results. Police gain real-time visibility to activities in a way that was not previously available. Crimes get stopped. People in distress get help.
