Houston Metro campaign to fight back against bus operator assaults
The campaign, including signs and posters that say “Respect is Mutual,” follows a 73% increase in assaults on operators this year compared to 2014.
HOUSTON — To fight back against a spike in assaults on bus operators, Metro officials announced the start of a public awareness campaign urged at making riders more aware of the agency's code of conduct, The Houston Chronicle reported.
The campaign, including signs and posters that say “Respect is Mutual,” follows a 73% increase in assaults on operators this year compared to 2014. Through Thursday, Dec. 17, Metro reported 52 assaults this year, ranging from angry riders spitting on bus drivers to punching, head-butting and cursing them — the highest number of assaults in the past six years, the report said.
Any physical engagement with a bus operator, even spitting, could lead to the suspect being charged with assault of a public servant, Metro board member Jim Robinson said, according to the Chronicle.
For the full story, click here.
More Security and Safety
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
LA Metro Sworn Officer Recruitment Draws 950 Applications on First Day
The California agency moves safety into its next phase, recruiting officers to help shape a transit-focused, community-centered force.
Read More →
FTA Plans Family-Friendly Transit Scorecard for Agencies Nationwide
The family-friendly transit dashboard is part of a broader effort by the FTA and U.S. Department of Transportation to increase transparency, accountability, and service quality across the nation's public transportation systems, said officials.
Read More →
New Public Safety Hub Opens in Downtown Houston
The substation strengthens METRO Police presence in an area where transit activity, pedestrian movement, and visitor flow converge.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
Federal Transit Officials Launch MARTA Safety Probe
FTA has given MARTA 15 days to provide records on crime prevention, fare evasion enforcement, and security funding as part of a broader safety investigation.
Read More →
Strategic Safety Measures at CATS Lead to Drop in Transit Crime
Under the leadership of the CATS Chief Safety and Security Officer, the organization has marked a pivotal transformation.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Evolving Enforcement-Only Models With Care-Based Safety Strategies
Transit agencies are redefining safety with care-based response models. See how leaders are improving trust and operations.
Read More →
Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →