Physical security and public transportation

Date: May-30-2025

Author: Kim Brown

Public transportation is a critical pillar for cities of all sizes. People of all ages rely on buses, streetcars, and subways to get to school, attend work, or run errands.

Some bigger communities need transit to run 24/7, and while that provides much-needed convenience, it can also create additional opportunities for crime or danger.

Maintaining safety on public transit is a delicate balance. People need to feel safe, but don’t want to see armed police in every terminal, either. Vehicles need to feel accessible, but individuals cannot be free to act in ways that would harm themselves or others.

    

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The fact that transit is always in motion creates an additional challenge for security leaders. No two days or nights are ever the same, and teams can’t always anticipate problems since people get on and off transit every few minutes.  

Implementing a security plan for public transportation requires a thoughtful combination of physical security and technology, as well as consideration for people’s well-being.  

    

What are the common problems people experience while on public transit?

Physical assaults, harassment, vandalism and thefts are the most common issues experienced by public transit customers. Crimes may be committed by people who are mentally unwell, though that’s not always the case.

If attacks feel random and spontaneous, the public will avoid transit if there have been multiple incidents reported in a short period of time.  

    

Public perception is key 

Even minor incidents become major news thanks to social media. When incidents go viral, people are quick to scrutinize safeguards that were in place at the time. However, just because something goes wrong doesn’t mean the security strategies did not work. In fact, if an incident is minor, it’s probably because it was effectively defused before it could become more serious.    

That being said, some transit agencies will send out regular surveys to passengers to help them gauge confidence and trust.   

This is a good way for leaders and companies to identify gaps between what security is doing and what the public believes is still missing from the plan.

On a similar note, good lighting and cleanliness go a long way in helping people feel safer. Transit agencies should make improvements where they can in order to improve visibility and appearances in terminals and stations.  

    

Unarmed security professionals can be very effective

Unarmed security guards do not carry firearms. Some may think this puts them at a disadvantage, but experts will argue that there are very few situations where guns are the best option for defusing a situation. Low to medium risk security threats can be resolved without firearms.

Transit agencies are using more and more unarmed professionals, as well as hiring crisis workers who are trained to assist people struggling with mental health, to more effectively balance safety with security. Not only are unarmed professionals more affordable, but by avoiding firearm-related incidents, transit agencies also minimize liability.

Organizations that have made this adjustment have received good feedback from customers. They are more confident that problems will be addressed without violent altercations between authorities and the public.  

    

Harness the strengths of technology

Having a physical presence undoubtedly helps to minimize security incidents on public transit, but security staff cannot be everywhere at once. This is where surveillance cameras come in.

Transit routes can be expansive and go through several jurisdictions. Considering how much ground they cover, and how many people come and go in a single day, technology is now essential in improving safety within public transportation without being overly intrusive.

Whereas security cameras once made people uneasy, seeing them on a bus or subway platform today tends to make them feel more comfortable.

Internet protocol cameras, or IP cameras, do not require a local recording device, only a local area network, just like a computer or a smartphone, to process and view footage in real time. These systems are already very popular with vehicle systems, and many authorities in the industry have made the leap to 4K IP camera systems. The quality is much better and can even produce clear pictures in low light, making it easier to identify faces when necessary.   

Camera systems are a cost-effective solution that can be tailored to an organization’s specific needs. Some buses even display video feed on monitors at the front of the bus, allowing drivers and riders to see what is happening around them at all times.

The rapid advancements in AI and IoT will further enhance the capabilities of these systems. By integrating AI with video surveillance, a large transit agency could more effectively keep an eye on thousands of video feeds at a time. Algorithms could do things like detect anomalies, identify potential threats, and alert officials if unusual behavior is suspected.

    

Empower riders

Riders can also be a part of the security solution. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has identified this opportunity, and created a “Say Something” safety and security app for its riders.  

The app gives them a discreet and convenient method for reporting concerns directly to DART Police. Riders can send photos, short video clips, or written messages, if they see suspicious or dangerous activities.

To ensure discretion, the camera flash is automatically disabled when photos are taken through the app. When reporting an issue, riders can select locations and report categories. Riders can also send reports anonymously.

If there is a problem that needs urgent attention, a “Call Police” button will connect riders directly to DART police.

Empowering riders to help create a safer transit experience is effective and resourceful. Security can get a better sense of the scope and severity of the situation, and respond accordingly.  

    

Conclusion

As security leaders in the public transportation industry continue to navigate and adjust to evolving challenges, one thing remains consistent: safety is fundamental to ridership and community success. Public transit is an essential service for some, and riders should not have to worry about how safe they will be traveling to or from work.

Through a combination of technology and trained personnel, transit agencies are equipped to handle new threats while maintaining accessibility and efficiency.

Regular and consistent safety training will be required for all staff, and collaborative partnerships can transform old approaches into modern solutions that yield better results.