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Transit Watch
Transit Watch is a public awareness and education campaign that encourages Calgary Transit staff and customers to become involved in staying alert and working together to maintain a safe transit environment.
The Transit Watch campaign encourages everyone to help keep Calgary Transit safe by being aware of their surroundings and alert to activities, packages or situations that seem suspicious. If something out of the ordinary is observed, it should be reported immediately to the bus or light rail operator, uniformed Calgary Transit Peace Officer, or law enforcement authorities.
Calgary Transit employees have a wealth of specialized knowledge and on-the-job experience. Likewise, Calgary Transit passengers contribute to security by providing thousands of extra eyes and ears capable of identifying possible emergency situations.
When Calgary Transit employees and passengers pool these resources, the result is a highly effective deterrent against a potential natural or man-made disaster.
So, please, make a commitment to becoming an alert, informed, prepared and involved member of this partnership!
Background Information
Transit Watch is a popular and well-used program in transit systems across the United States. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration with support from a number of other agencies.
The Transit Watch message is simple but effective; we all have a responsibility to look out for the safety and security of ourselves and our fellow citizens.
Calgary Transit received funding for the Transit Watch program from Transport Canada’s Transit Secure program, established to assist passenger rail and urban transit operators to enhance their security measures to address potential threats of terrorism.
Calgary Transit obtained approval to make changes to the program to suit local requirements and information.
Safety tips when riding public transportation
- Familiarize yourself with bus stops and CTrain stations.
- Know the location of emergency exits on bus and light rail trains.
- Locate intercoms to report suspicious packages, substances or activities on light rail trains.
- Inform bus operator of any suspicious packages, substances or activities.
- In an emergency situation remain calm and listen for station, train or bus announcements.
- Do not prevent train or bus doors from closing.
- Follow instructions given by Calgary Transit employees. Proceed in an orderly fashion.
Personal Preparedness tips
- Create an advanced plan for maintaining contact with family members if separated as a result of an emergency.
- Create an advanced plan for maintaining contact with close friends and colleagues during an extended emergency period.
- Keep a record of all contact and emergency information and update it regularly as needed.
- Select a location outside your home as a family meeting point should your home need to be evacuated.
- Identify alternate routes and means of reaching your meeting point in the event your main route is impassible.
- Keep a local map handy for reference.
- Make sure your emergency information and contact numbers are with you at all times.
Suspicious Objects or Substances
Be on the alert for suspicious objects or substances. If you spot an unattended package or object, look for the following:
- Placement in an out-of-the-way location.
- Individuals in the act of abandoning the object, package or substance and quickly leaving the area.
- Objects with unusual items attached such as batteries, wires, tanks, bottles or bags.
- An attached message or note.
- A suspicious cloud, mist, gas, vapor, odor or seeping fluid.
- Nearby individuals showing signs of illness or distress.
What to do
Do not confront suspicious individuals or touch suspicious objects, packages or substances. Call 911 immediately or contact Calgary Transit Transit Watch at 403-262-1000.
Do not use a cellular phone until you are a safe distance away (approximately 300 feet). If possible, use Calgary Transit Help Phone or other landline phone to report a suspicious object, package or substance.
Contact Us
Transit Watch
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