AC Transit launches 'TipNow' passenger safety app

The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) announces the immediate implementation of TipNow-AC Transit. The app encourages AC Transit riders to be an extra set of on-board eyes and ears helping to promote rider safety and system security.

Using simple icons, the TipNow-AC Transit app enables riders to report disruptive behavior, theft, suspicious activity, vandalism or unattended packages. TipNow-AC Transit is a one-year pilot program.

The software behind TipNow-AC Transit saw its genesis in the aftermath of the 2007 Virginia Tech shootings. Santa Clara, Calif.-based Resiligence Inc. — the software developers — envisioned not only an anonymous reporting system but one that would compile crowd-sourced information about suspicious activity. The software that ultimately morphed into TipNow-AC Transit connected those dots.

In fact, the AC Transit app was specifically engineered for anonymity. Our riders need only download the free app at either Google Play or Apple’s App Store. Once downloaded, AC Transit riders are hyperlinked to a tip screen that ask for:

• The route number.
• The bus number (centrally located, on-board most coaches, above the front windshield).
• A description of the event.

Riders may also anonymously upload photos and even video attachments with each reported tip.

“We will neither compromise safety nor security, so a proven track-record was essential in adopting new technology,” said AC Transit’s GM Michael Hursh. “TipNow’s operating success at U.C. Berkeley, California State University, Fresno and the Fresno County Sherriff’s Department offers sound assurance. Now our goal is to seamlessly meld the TipNow-AC Transit app with Homeland Security practices already in place within our District.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security adopted the “If You See Something, Say Something” public awareness campaign in 2010. Since that time, AC Transit has employed a variety of advertising and outreach efforts to educate our staff on the importance of being vigilant in reporting suspicious, illegal or inappropriate behavior and activities, as well as unattended packages.