Public Transportation Safety Tips

Public transportation is becoming more and more popular with today’s gas prices and the increasing number of people that live in America. Most people realize that it is much more cost efficient to travel on public transportation. Considerations should be taken for safety and crime prevention. Persons riding on public transportation should be alert and exercise good-sense precautions.

Keep In Mind
  • Plan your trip. Know exact times, locations, and the amount of money that you need to take with you to pay for the transportation.
  • Advise a family member, friend, or coworker of your travel route and schedule. Call them when you leave and when you arrive at your destination. If you don't contact them when expected, they will know something is wrong.
  • Have the exact amount of money for your fare. That way you will not have to display extra cash that you are carrying with you and you will not have to fumble your money around when paying for the transportation.
  • Use a well-lit and busy area to wait for and to exit public transportation.
  • Find an aisle seat to sit in if possible. This allows you to observe everything around you, and helps you avoid being “boxed in” against the window.
  • Sit near the driver or operator if possible, but avoid sitting right next to the door. Thieves may try snatching jewelry or personal belongings from people near the door and then exiting quickly.
  • Do not let yourself doze off or get too distracted by other things. Lack of attention can make you an easy target.
  • Keep your purse, shopping bag, backpack, packages, or other belongings in your lap, on your arm, or between your feet. Do not leave them on an empty seat.
  • Avoid displaying expensive looking watches, rings, necklaces, or other jewelry. Do not invite trouble.
  • Be aware of noisy passengers arguing or causing a commotion. This could be a staged diversion to distract you while others try to steal your valuables.
  • Observe the behavior of others around you. If you feel uneasy or threatened, change your seat and/or alert the driver.
Remember that people who appear alert and confident are less likely to be victimized. Take the proper precautions if you are going to be traveling on public transportation. Public transportation can be a very valuable tool to save money and get to a destination more efficiently, but it can also be another way to become a victim if the proper precautions are not taken.