August 15, 2016

Stay Safe on Transit this Halloween

New Westminster – With Halloween taking place on a Saturday this year, Metro Vancouver Transit Police remind you to take a few precautions to ensure that you enjoy this busy night safely.

Take extra care when choosing Halloween costumes. Costume props, such as replica handguns, hatchets, knives, swords, etc. should not be openly carried or displayed in public. Costume props could easily be mistaken for the real thing which may put your safety at risk if the police are called. If in doubt, keep it tucked away until you arrive at your destination or better yet, leave it at home.

Consumption of liquor in public is illegal. This includes all buses, trains, and SeaBus. If you are carrying liquor on transit, ensure it remains closed until you arrive at your private destination. The fine for consuming liquor in public is $230.00.

Tips for staying safe on transit:

Report any suspicious events or safety concerns on public transit to Transit Police’s non-emergency line. Text 87-77-77 or call 604-515-8300. In emergencies, always call 911.
Stay alert to your surroundings. Keep valuables out of sight from others. Avoid being engrossed in your electronic device.
Plan ahead for a safe ride home. Download the free OnDuty App to check scheduled bus times. Check the Alerts section of the App for important messages, as well as @Translink and @TransitPolice for any updates.
If travelling in a group, establish a meeting place in the event you are separated.
Be visible. Wear bright costumes or include reflective tape, glow sticks, or other articles that improve visibility.
Use face paint or make-up instead of a mask — if you must wear a mask, enlarge the eyes for better vision and push it back off your face when you are walking in and around train stations, and in busy pedestrian areas.

Remember if you see something, say something.

OnDuty Mobile App