By Katrina Kernodle

Crime and accidents are primary concerns for transit officials everywhere; however, population size, ridership and citywide crime impact the reality, as well as the perception, of risk and vulnerability. From general managers to transit security officials and local police, combating transit threats involves dedicated efforts and ingenuity. In addition, transit riders intrinsically are involved in protecting themselves from known hazards and can play a significant role in mitigating unexpected threats. Federal, state and local transit officials not only are looking for ways to improve transit safety from their ranks but also to increase public awareness to safety and security hazards.

There are abundant challenges in incorporating the assistance of some 14 million Americans riding transit each weekday. When it comes to safety and security concerns, the public is not as focused as transit professionals. In a recent survey during the development of the Federal Transit Administration's Transit Watch, a safety awareness initiative launched in October 2003, 63% of transit agencies surveyed noted no differences in levels of public concern since the 2001 terrorist attacks. Transit Watch and other local programs want to increase a public sense of responsibility and cooperation in maintaining a safe environment on the nation's subways, buses and trains.

Although 9-11 did not cause a significant hike in public concerns about transit, particularly in smaller towns, 69% of the agencies surveyed indicated that the public conveys various safety and security concerns. This kind of foundation of public concern facilitates raising public vigilance and support. In Boston, where transit officials have indicated increased rider concerns since 9-11, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority reported 1,267 calls from riders related to safety and security over an eight-month time period last year.

Conversely, other agencies that lack this type of rider feedback are finding other means to determine the local stance on safety and security issues. The Charlotte Area Transit System in North Carolina, for example, surveyed 1,600 riders to determine concerns and priorities of Charlotte's transit passengers.

Although lack of funding is often cited as the most common impediment to various initiatives, local agencies are making headway in improving safety and security. Fifty-six percent of the surveyed transit agencies had formal passenger safety and/or security programs and 76% had conducted or had pending vulnerability assessments. Fifty percent have safety and security information such as brochures, websites, posters and other materials for public consumption. Another 50% had conducted training or mock drills since 9-11.

Furthermore, many agencies have implemented or are in the process of implementing innovative safety and security changes that impact transit riders and employees alike. St. Louis transit officials at the Bi-State Development Agency are taking part in Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit nationwide program that focuses on reducing deaths and injuries related to rail and pedestrian and/or motorist collisions by informing the public and enlisting volunteers about safety hazards at rail crossings. (For more information visit www.oli.org).

Along with fiscal challenges, the sheer size of the U.S. and the vast number of transit agencies around the country complicates coordination and sharing of initiatives and results. If communication among local, state and federal agencies as well as with non-profits and private industry-related organizations were enhanced, each could provide unique insight and avoid the proverbial reinvention of the wheel.