Analyses of Technologies and Methodologies Adopted by U.S. Transit Agencies to Enhance Transit Security

1998PDFTech ReportShen, L. DavidOspina, Diana I.Zhao, FangElbadrawi, Hesham R.National Urban Transit Institute (U.S.)University of South Florida. Center for Urban Transportation ResearchLehman Center for Transportation ResearchUnited States. Department of Transportation. Research and Special Programs AdministrationNational Urban Transit Institute (U.S.)University of South Florida. Center for Urban Transportation ResearchUnited StatesFloridaInformation disseminationPreventionAdvanced public transportation systemsSafety programsTraffic surveillanceTransportation safetyPublic transitBuses(Vehicles)Communication systemsCommutersCrime preventionLaw enfrocementMass transportationPassenger transportationRail transportationSafetySecuritySurveillanceTransit systemsNUTI-96FIU1.221-17-230-LO-BLarge and small transit agencies in the U.S. are convinced that providing high levels of security for passengers, employees, and system properties contribute to the overall success in the operation of the systems. Accordingly, transit agencies are improving or implementing new security techniques to provide an environment that contributes to the protection, confidence, and comfort of transit commuters. This research investigated successful security programs that have demonstrated to be effective in controlling and preventing transit crime, and enhancing passenger perception of security. Twenty five transit agencies operating guideway and/or bus systems were asked to provide information on security technologies, strategies, and other security related issues. Information on crime statistics from responding transit agencies were used as a basis for a detailed analysis. The analysis of the researched data showed that the highest number of crimes occur against transit properties, followed by the crimes that affect security perception and the crimes against passengers respectively. The most effective strategies to deter crime are uniformed police/security personnel patrolling vehicles and transit properties and the provision of educational and training information for the commuters. Among security technologies, radio integration with closed circuit television surveillance systems is the most effective way to combat different type of transit crimes.95