Metro takes extra precautions to ensure safety of riders

Lately, there have been a lot of stories in the media about crime in St. Louis. Many times we hear from potential new riders asking how safe is it to ride the system.  We wanted to make sure that current and new riders know that there are many procedures in place to ensure the safety of Metro's riders.

“Safety and security of transit riders is one of our top priorities.  A number of measures are in place to help ensure that our system remains a safe, secure, and convenient transportation option for our community,” according to Ray Friem, Chief Operating Officer for Metro.

Metro Transit employs sworn, uniformed police officers from the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Clair County, IL, to patrol the transit system.  Undercover police officers are also employed to monitor MetroLink and MetroBus service.  Additionally, Metro Transit contracts with Securitas Security to staff MetroLink platforms and trains, and handle fare enforcement. Whether you board the train in Clayton, a bus in Brentwood, or Call-A-Ride in your neighborhood, there are systems in place to make sure riders are safe.

All MetroLink platforms are monitored 24-hours a day, 7-days a week on camera by security dispatchers who can immediately call for police and/or security assistance, if necessary.  Cameras also monitor Park-Ride lots, stairwells, parking facilities and nearly all Metro Transit trains, buses and vans.

Passenger Assist Telephones are located on all MetroLink platforms, allowing customers to ask questions about their commute, or contact security to report suspicious or inappropriate activity.  Inside MetroLink trains, customers also have the ability to contact the MetroLink operator by an intercom located at the end of each MetroLink car.  Additionally, emergency telephones are located throughout Metro Transit parking facilities that directly link with security.

Here are some additional safety tips if you are riding transit or not:

The key is to be aware of your surroundings and be smart.  When riding any public transit system, there are some important tips to keep in mind when traveling to ensure you have a safe commute.

■Be aware of your surroundings when traveling, and try to stay in well-lit areas.
■Never offer money to someone you do not know.
■Keep your packages with you – do not leave them unattended.
■If there is an emergency, stay calm and listen for instructions.  If you are on a train or bus, wait for instructions from your operator.  If you are on a platform, listen to station announcements.
■If a vehicle stops unexpectedly, do not exit the vehicle unless instructed to by official staff.  If evacuation becomes necessary, carefully follow the staff’s instructions.
■If you witness suspicious behavior, call 911.

For more information on Metro’s security policies, please click here http://metrostlouis.org/RidingMetro/SafetyAndSecurity.aspx