A new report recommends boosting ‘ambassador programs,’ improving reliability and frequency, and supporting more anti-harassment initiatives.
A study from TransForm called Ride Fearlessly: A Framework for Reimagining Transit Safety assesses how transit agencies can improve real and perceived public safety on trains and buses and in transit stations.
According to a story by Roger Rudick in Streetsblog San Francisco, “The study argues that systems across the country, from Philadelphia's SEPTA to the Bay Area's BART, should grow their "ambassador" programs. That means hiring people with crisis intervention skills to patrol the systems instead of flooding them with more police.”
The study also highlights enhanced service and frequency as a key way to avoid forcing riders to wait on dimly lit streets and at isolated stations. “Knowing when a bus or train is going to come allows riders to time their arrival at bus stops and stations, reducing the potential for incidents. Increasing transit frequency reduces wait times, similarly lowering the likelihood of harm.”
FULL STORY: New Study Looks at How to Make Transit Feel Safe for Everyone
Is Cracking Down on Fare Evasion the Answer to Lagging Transit Ridership?
Transit agencies hope to reassure riders concerned about crime by boosting security at transit stations.
FTA Directive Addresses Violence Against Transit Workers
Verbal and physical assaults against transit operators have grown alarmingly in the last decade.
Transit Crime Down in NYC, Minneapolis
The two cities launched targeted efforts to improve security and offer supportive services to transit users.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.
From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.
Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
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Ascent Environmental
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service