The New Normal: Post-Covid Safety + Security Strategies (Leadership APTA)

Although data indicates that transit systems are safe - in fact, transit riders are less likely to be the victim of a crime as compared to car drivers - riders’ perception that systems are not safe has led to negative customer satisfaction surveys and in some cases, a reduction in, or an aversion to, transit - even more so in the post-COVID era.

We interviewed executive leaders in transit to understand their challenges related to safety and security on their systems and the strategies they have implemented to address them. When available, we also assessed available data to understand the efficacy of these strategies. The analysis enabled us to glean common themes, trends, and associated best practices on how agencies are addressing safety and security concerns and perceptions on their systems.

This analysis provides transit agencies with recommendations on specific strategies with proven success. By addressing passenger and community safety - both perceived and actual - transit systems can enhance overall safety performance, customer satisfaction, and potentially increase ridership. All of these factors can support agencies as they transition from the era of COVID into a positive, “new normal” for transit.

Project Team:

• Bonnie Epstein, PSTA, Co-Coordinator;
• Lance MacNiven, WSP, Co-Coordinator;
• Kim Tucker, Orange County Transportation Authority;
• Mary Hill, TriMet; Arlana Johnson, Chicago Transit Authority;
• John Urgo, Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District