September 6, 2016

Top 10 Safety Tips for a Safe Ride after the Labour Day weekend

Transit Police’s Top 10 Safety Tips for a Safe Ride after the Labour Day weekend
and TransLink’s Etiquette for a Safe and Comfortable Ride

New Westminster – Transit Police and TransLink are committed to ensuring that everyone has a safe ride on the buses,
SeaBuses and trains in our transit system and reaches their destination safely. With students heading back to school and people
heading back to work after holidays, the transit system will be busier than ever. These are the

TRANSIT POLICE TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR A SAFE RIDE:

Plan your journey ahead of time and make sure you appear confident and you know where you’re going.
Stay alert to your surroundings.
If you wear headphones or earbuds to listen to music, please try to remain aware of your surroundings – being distracted could make you a potential target.
Keep all electronic devices and personal items safely stowed, out of sight in closed backpacks, totebags, purses etc. Be especially vigilant when seated or standing near doors.
If placing larger items on the floor during travel, keep the items firmly between your feet, if possible, to maintain control of them.
Know where to get help. There are security options on the trains and platforms. Do not hesitate to use them if you encounter a problem.
Quietly move away from anyone you feel is a threat or a problem on the platforms, at the bus loops or on the trains or buses.
Look for a Transit Police Officer, Transit Security Officer, SkyTrain Attendant, Canada Line Attendant or an adult if you have a problem or feel threatened. Don’t hesitate to ask us for directions or help to find your bus or train. We are there to help.
Use Text code 87 77 77 or the Transit Police OnDuty App to discreetly send us information regarding non-emergency situations on the bus, train or SeaBus. Download these options in advance so they’re ready to use if you need them.
Don’t Panic! A Transit Police Officer, SkyTrain Attendant or Canada Line Attendant is as close as the next station and will assist you. If on a bus, speak to the operator who can contact Transit Security and/or Transit Police to assist.

Etiquette on TRANSIT

Taking transit means sharing space. Literally and figuratively, we’re all in it together, so it’s important that you treat your fellow riders with courtesy and respect. Even the simplest actions can ensure that everyone, including you, has a more positive transit experience.

Don’t block the train doors. Preventing train doors from closing can cause problems for everyone. If the doors are held open for too long, the whole train could shut down, causing delays. Please remember that another train will be coming in just a few minutes.

Courtesy seats. Seats closest to the doors are for persons with disabilities and/or seniors. People appreciate you offering these seats to them. It’s worth remembering that some people have disabilities that aren’t always obvious. If someone asks you to give up a seat because they have a disability, please take their word for it.

Personal audio devices. If other people can hear the music through your headphones – it’s too loud. For your ears, and for those around you, please – keep it down.

Food. Moving vehicles and food don’t mix well. Please be courteous and careful when using transit. No one wants to wear your snack!

Cell phones. Unless you want to share your conversation with everyone around you, please keep your voice down. The microphone is only a few millimeters from your face – there’s no need to yell.

Keep doorways clear. In order for people to get on the train, people first need to be allowed to get off. Before you board, please stand back and allow passengers to exit. When on the bus, the area around an exit door might look like a convenient place to lean, but standing there makes it difficult for people wanting to get off (and can be confusing for the driver). Please stand clear and allow people to exit easily.

Backpacks, luggage, grocery bags, & laptops. Large bags can be difficult for people around you. Please remove your backpack and put it on the floor – especially when standing as it’s easy to bump someone. Don’t take away a seat from someone by putting your bag on it.

Personal hygiene. Rush hour on trains or buses means close quarters. Enough said.

Walk left. Stand right. When possible, please stand to the right on an escalator to allow people to pass you on the left. Just like when driving on the road.