Agency teams with the Bay Area Suicide and Crisis Intervention Alliance to address the recent increase in suicides and suicide attempts on the agency’s property. The centerpiece of the campaign launch is station signage directing troubled patrons to call the toll-free National Suicide Lifeline, with the phrase “Suicide is not the route” included over the number.
With input and guidance from the Bay Area Suicide and Crisis Intervention Alliance (BASCIA), Oakland, Calif.’s Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is launching a multi-pronged, continuous campaign to address the recent increase in suicides and suicide attempts on the agency’s property.
“We looked at what other transit agencies have done on the topic and with the help of local mental health experts, determined what steps would be appropriate for BART,” said Deputy GM Marcia deVaughn. “Posting a help line and providing training to our employees are some of the key things we can do as a transit agency.”
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The centerpiece of the campaign launch is station signage directing troubled patrons to call the toll-free National Suicide Lifeline, with the phrase “Suicide is not the route” included over the number. This phrase has been tested in a Long Island Rail Road campaign that has seen an increase in calls to the number.
The Federal Government administers the National Suicide Lifeline, providing a service that redirects calls based on the caller’s area code to the appropriate local agency for free, confidential help around the clock. Signs will be rotated throughout the system across from the platforms.
Another key component is training frontline BART staff on how to recognize and help a person in crisis. BASCIA will assist BART with this training.
BART will be distributing National Suicide Lifeline wallet cards provided by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration in all stations. Each Station Agent booth will have the cards available.
Longer term ideas being looked at include printing the suicide lifeline number on BART papers tickets, permanent signage in stations, coordination of outreach events, and looking into the feasibility of and funding for platform screen doors.
The Plan is CTA's formal response to an FTA Special Directive issued in December and details how the agency will significantly expand the law enforcement surge it launched.
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
During a safety blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the railroad’s 243 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials on train and grade-crossing safety, answering questions, and listening to riders’ safety concerns.
Operated in partnership with Tech Valley Security, trained CDTA Ambassadors will be on select routes and will rotate throughout CDTA’s route network. Their presence is intended to provide customers with an approachable, visible resource focused on assistance and engagement.
Customers have always been able to report concerns through the CATS Customer Service line or the “Report a Problem to CATS” feature in the CATS-Pass mobile app; however, CATS has also integrated a Text-a-Tip line, giving riders multiple, easy-to-use channels to get support.
