OC Transpo and STO launch security awareness campaign

Summary: OC Transpo and la Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO), in partnership with Transport Canada, today launched a new Transit-Secure initiative to help make public transit in the National Capital Region more secure.

OC Transpo and la Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO), in partnership with Transport Canada, today launched a new Transit-Secure initiative to help make public transit in the National Capital Region more secure.
The goal of the joint campaign is to increase transit security and public awareness. Riders and the general public are being asked to help keep transit safe by being alert. If they see something suspicious, they should not hesitate to say something by calling 310-2828.
“Like other major urban centres across Canada and around the world, we must be proactive in keeping our residents safe and secure as they use public transit," said Mayor Larry O'Brien. "The public can do their part by reporting anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. If you see something, say something.”
Transit riders in both Ottawa and Gatineau now have access to a dedicated phone number to report anything suspicious. Callers don’t need to dial an area code – just dial 310-2828 and they’ll be connected to their respective transit authority, which will investigate their report. For life-threatening emergencies or crime in progress, residents should always call 9-1-1.
The security awareness campaign received funding support from the federal government, which has committed $2.2 million for programs promoting security in public transit in the region since 2006.
Transport Canada has the lead responsibility for national transportation security and works with other partners in emergency management, preparedness and response. Together, they create and maintain a secure transportation system across Canada.
“The STO is pleased to be working in cooperation with OC Transpo to ensure the safety of thousands of riders who use the public transit system each day in the region,” said STO President Patrice Martin. “The public’s vigilance enhances the measures both systems have taken. Public transit safety is everyone’s business. Being vigilant while using public transit or in any other situation is making a contribution to collective safety and security. Everyone must feel concerned.”
Starting this week, the public will begin seeing promotional signs in strategic locations throughout the National Capital Region, from buses to transit stations and shelters. The signs are designed to encourage the community to be aware of their surroundings while using their transit service. Information brochures will also be available system wide for free distribution to riders as well as the general public.
With about 400,000 riders a day relying on transit to get to work, to school and other activities, transit is an integral aspect of moving people around the National Capital Region. Maintaining transit security is an ongoing priority for both STO and OC Transpo, who are working together for a safe regional transportation network.
Other security measures funded by Transit-Secure in the City of Ottawa include threat vulnerability and risk assessment (TVRA), security plan, radio interoperability, facility hardening (includes security fence, gates and cameras), and staff training. STO has implemented various measures as part of the Transit-Secure program, which includes : securing its facilities (automated gates for buses entering and leaving, new fencing, smart card access control in the adminstration building, interior and exterior surveillance cameras for the entire building); the upgrading of its radio communication system with the first-level managers (inspectors); and a control room for system management. STO has also rolled out a training program for its bus drivers and staff on safety issues, in addition to a safety plan.
To learn more about additional transit security measures, visit octranspo.com or sto.ca.

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