Metra customers will soon be able to use app to report safety, security concerns
Metra plans to roll out a app that will allow customers a discreet and easy way to report crimes, suspicious activity and security concerns to Metra Police. The app will be available for Apple and Android users in early 2019 and will provide a direct and immediate connection to Metra's police force.
Users will be able to select the type of activity they would like to report, such as a crime in progress, disruptive behavior or an unattended item. They can then send a description along with a photo and/or video of the issue being reported and the GPS location of the issue. The app automatically disables the user’s smartphone flash and reports can be made anonymously.
A five-year, $274,000 contract with ELERTS Corporation was approved by the Metra Board of Directors to provide commuter service provider with an incident reporting system for smartphones. The Massachusetts-based firm was the sole responsive bidder for the contracted work, which is being funded entirely by the FEMA Transit Security Grant Program.
“We hope our customers will embrace this new channel of communication to help us enhance the safety and security of our entire system by using the technology they carry with them every day to see something, say something,” said Metra Police Chief Joseph Perez. “We always ask our customers and employees to remain vigilant and we understand that using an app is sometimes more convenient than making a phone call.”
Metra dispatchers can respond to the customer through the app, send out advisories and broadcast “Be on the Lookout” alerts to app users.
When the app launches, customers will continue to be able to report safety and security concerns to Metra Police at 312-322-2800.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
