When you need immediate help, TransitWatch will be there.
TransitWatch Capital Metro’s TransitWatch is a safety and security awareness program that encourages passengers and employees to promote a safe transit environment. The goals of the TransitWatch program are to: • Promote neighborhood and child safety • Enhance the personal safety of transit customers and the public • Act as additional “eyes and ears” to shorten the response time of emergency service agencies to an event. Capital Metro bus operators are trained to be aware of their surroundings, report emergencies, call for help when people are in trouble, and provide a temporary refuge until help arrives. If an operator witnesses, or is made aware of a situation that requires assistance from the police, fire department, or emergency medical services, he or she may request assistance. To help facilitate the program, all Capital Metro buses are equipped with two-way radios for immediate communication to emergency response agencies. Employees may report crimes in progress; traffic, fire and road hazards; suspicious activities and persons; and other events or concerns. TransitWatch programs include Child/Neighborhood Safety; Cameras on Buses; Night Owl Courtesy Stops; Guaranteed Ride Home; Crime Stoppers; and Personal Safety Tips. Child/Neighborhood Safety If you feel threatened, or in danger, board a Capital Metro bus and ask the driver to request assistance. The operator has the ability to summon the police, fire department, or emergency medical services. Although the bus may leave your location, you should remain on the bus until help arrives. The bus can also act as a free temporary refuge for children, adults and senior citizens who need help.		Cameras on Buses To enhance the personal safety of customers and employees, Capital Metro has installed digital video recording systems (DVRs) on many of its buses. The DVRs are capable of transmitting images to the Capital Metro Radio Communications Center. The number of cameras on a bus is based upon the size of the unit. The systems are tamper resistant. Night Owl Courtesy Stops As a courtesy to our customers traveling after dark, operators are allowed to let passengers off at non-designated stops (along our Night Owl routes) between the hours of 12 midnight and 4 a.m. Operators exercise judgment and caution when discharging a passenger at a non-designated stop. You should give the operator adequate time to make a safe stop. Guaranteed Ride Home Guaranteed Ride Home is a service available to passengers of Express/Park & Ride, Flyer routes and Vanpool/Carpool riders on routes operating within the Capital Metro service area. The service allows the reimbursement for cab services up to $49.50, less a $1 surcharge due to emergencies, or unexpected events that may cause a deviation from the normal travel schedule. The annual $5 fee buys four vouchers that are good for one calendar year. For more information call 477-RIDE. Crime Stoppers Capital Metro is working in partnership with the Austin Police Department’s Crime Stoppers Program to help deter and solve crimes that occur on transit property. Crime Stopper placards are posted on Capital Metro buses as a reminder of the on-going partnership between Capital Metro and the Austin Police Department to help make our community a safer place.		Personal Safety Tips On the bus and at bus stops • Be aware of your surroundings. • Stay alert and try to stay awake. • Don’t leave personal items unattended or vulnerable. • Sit as close to the operator as possible. • Try to avoid unnecessary waiting for the bus. • Try to avoid waiting alone at isolated bus stops. • Report all incidents or suspicious activity to the operator as soon as possible. At Park & Ride facilities • Be aware of your surroundings. • Take your keys. • Keep your doors locked at all times. • Avoid leaving windows cracked. • Never leave a running vehicle unattended. • Never leave valuables (e.g., packages, CD’s, cassette tapes, purses, wallets, clothing, etc.) in plain view. • Report all incidents or suspicious activity to Capital Metro or the Police. Important Phone Numbers Emergency: 911 Police non-emergency: 311 Social Services Resources: 211 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL CAPITAL METRO AT (512) 474-1200 OR VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT www.capmetro.org. Capital Metro is pleased to participate in this national campaign to ensure the safety and security of Austin’s public transportation system. The national Transit Watch program was developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in partnership with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
				Tell your kids! If they ever feel threatened by someone or something, no matter where they are, tell them to get on the bus and ask the operator for help.