Key Findings and Recommendations

Safety is more than just the absence of crime. Policymakers must address the multiple aspects of rider experience that contribute to feeling safe or unsafe to win back public confidence.

• Physical conditions
  • Lighting, cleanliness, and other physical improvements make bus stops feel safer
  • Improve pedestrian safety by addressing narrow sidewalks and other dangers

• Social and cultural conditions
  • Staff buses and stops with community ambassadors who can provide timely assistance during incidents and promote positive behavior 
  • Use public education campaigns to promote courteous behavior and community among riders as well as discourage harassment and other negative behaviors
  • Strengthen multilingual wayfinding to improve the confidence of residents and tourists whose primary language is not English

• Root causes and broader investments
  • Community members emphasized the need to address the root causes of homelessness, substance abuse, and theft through housing, health, and economic assistance
  • Timely and culturally competent victims services help people heal and return to normal activities

“He intentionally followed me and wanted to touch me. He touched the sleeve of my arm. He wanted to test my tolerance. He followed me from the front to the back of the bus. My English was not that good, so I didn’t know what to say. What should I say after I say, ‘help?’ I have a language barrier.”

“I’m worried if the government cuts the budget. We need more funding to solve these issues.”

“We can educate passengers to use common sense and courtesy… Not to scold people, but to remind them. The message has to be diverse because we are a multicultural society.”

“They asked passengers to move back to make more room for someone with a disability. An assistant to do this additional support would be awesome.”