Recent changes to campus transportation security

We asked transportation managers what, if any, changes they recently made to their campus bus service in regard to security?

Beefed-up video surveillance implemented

We have done several things. All new buses now have cameras. We added cameras all around our operating facility and the video feeds are monitored by our dispatcher. We have participated in security and emergency planning with local law enforcement and other agencies, and have established protocols for various situations. Also, we will be going out soon with an RFP for GPS tracking of buses.

Anthony Palmere, Assistant General Manager

Unitrans (University of California, Davis)

Davis, Calif.

Bus drivers to train with campus police

As we have been very safety and security conscious in the past, not a lot has really changed. We are, however, going to be sending our drivers to training with the UConn Police Department for recognition of suspicious activity, identification of alcohol poisoning, emergency first aid, etc. We also have Quick Reaction Checklists (QRCs), which is a carryover from my Air Force days. QRCs identify what to do in various emergency situations in straightforward bulleted instructions.

Janet Freniere, Transportation Services Administrator

University of Connecticut

Storrs, Conn.

Campus-wide emergency alert system

The safety and security of our faculty, staff, students and visitors is a major focus relating to our transportation system. Throughout the summer, the University implemented new emergency alert systems to keep all stakeholders informed in the event of an incident. Emergency notification in our region is a cooperative effort between the University and the municipality (City of Fargo), which provides transit services on and around campus. The transit authority (Metropolitan Area Transit) has been involved in city emergency response plans for many years, since the Red River Flood of 1997.

Rob Lynch, Parking and Transportation Manager

North Dakota State University

Fargo, N.D.