Txt-a-Tip will follow similar response procedures that are in place when a report is called into the Amtrak Police 800 number. Passengers can now simply report suspected criminal or suspicious activity by sending a text to APD11 from a smartphone or to 27311 from a standard cell phone.
The Amtrak Police Department (APD) is launching a new method for passengers and employees to report suspicious activity, crime or emergencies by introducing APD11 "Txt-a-Tip," a program that allows contacting the Amtrak Police Department's National Communications Center via SMS text messaging.
"Contacting the Amtrak Police Department by text is another tactic in our multi-layered approach to protecting America's Railroad," said Amtrak Police Chief Polly Hanson. "Our passengers and frontline employees provide an extra line of defense by being an additional set of eyes and ears while in or around our stations, trains, facilities or right-of-way, and now they can report crime or suspicious activity in a convenient and discreet method, by text message."
Ad Loading...
Txt-a-Tip will follow similar response procedures that are in place when a report is called into the Amtrak Police 800 number. Passengers can now simply report suspected criminal or suspicious activity by sending a text to APD11 from a smartphone or to 27311 from a standard cell phone.
When a text is received, the sender will receive a message acknowledging the report and will then be connected to a live Amtrak Police communications officer who will correspond directly via text message with the person to learn more about the situation and determine the appropriate action.
This initiative is part of a continued effort by Amtrak to provide additional communication options for passengers and employees who are deaf or may have hearing loss, allowing easy and efficient communication of emergency information to the APD.
Amtrak has explosive detection and vapor wake K-9 teams; trained employees to identify potential security risks; random passenger and baggage screenings; and developed strong partnerships with local, state, federal and international law enforcement agencies.
Watch a video demonstrating how the tool works here.
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
BART began offering select parking lots to non-BART riders to generate new revenue to help address its FY27 $376M operating budget deficit brought on by remote work.
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.
The renewals include continued operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida; the PRTC in Virginia; and RTC Washoe in Nevada.
The governor’s proposed auto insurance reforms could save the agency $48 million annually by limiting payouts in crashes where buses are not primarily at fault.
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.
