Public Transit Safety Guide

Step-by-step instructions for safer bus, subway, and train travel during DV situations.

Public Transit Safety Guide

Platform safety

Options to consider while waiting on platforms or at stops.

• Stand in well-lit areas where other passengers are present.
• Stay a safe distance from the platform edge; keep behind marked lines where they exist.
• Note the location of staff booths, help points, and visible cameras.
• Keep bags zipped and close to your body to reduce distraction and loss.
• If possible, wait near:
  • Train conductors’ usual stopping points
  • Driver’s compartment areas
  • Areas marked as “priority” or “accessible” where staff may pay more attention
• Limit displaying valuables (cash, cards, devices) while on the platform.
• Have your transit pass or ticket ready before you board to avoid searching in bags at the edge.
• Identify multiple exits or stairways in case you want to move quickly to a different area.

Seat selection

Ways to choose where to sit or stand that may support your sense of control.

• Consider sitting:
  • Near the driver or conductor
  • Near doors, if you prefer easy exits
  • In busier cars or sections rather than isolated ones
• Avoid, when possible:
  • Empty cars late at night
  • Blocked-in corners where movement is limited
  • Seats far from exits if you may want to change seats quickly
• Choose aisle seats if you want more freedom to move.
• Keep bags and important items on your lap or under your direct control.
• Note reflective surfaces (windows, doors) that can help you see what is happening around you without turning fully.
• If someone sits too close or makes you uncomfortable, options include:
  • Changing seats calmly at the next stop
  • Moving nearer to other passengers or staff
  • Standing near doors for the next part of the journey

Emergency buttons

Many transit vehicles and stations have emergency buttons, cords, or intercoms. It can be useful to know where they are before you need them.

• When boarding, discreetly scan for:
  • Emergency intercoms or call boxes
  • Alarm strips or cords inside vehicles
  • Help points on platforms or at stops
• Check posted instructions near emergency equipment that explain:
  • How to activate it (button, lever, cord)
  • Who you will reach (driver, control center, station staff)
  • What information they may ask for (location, vehicle number)
• Consider keeping basic details ready to share if needed, such as:
  • Route number and direction
  • Car number or bus number
  • Nearest station or stop
• Some systems have separate buttons for:
  • General assistance
  • Safety or security concerns
  • Track or equipment emergencies

Avoiding predictable patterns

Adjusting routines can sometimes reduce how easy it is for someone else to anticipate your movements.

• Vary, when possible:
  • Which stop or station you use
  • Which entrance or exit you choose
  • Which car or section of the vehicle you typically ride in
  • Times you travel, if your schedule allows
• Consider alternate routes that still meet your time and cost needs, such as:
  • Different lines that reach the same area
  • Connecting at a different transfer point
  • Getting off one stop earlier or later and walking a short distance
• Avoid posting real-time transit details (exact route, timing, or location) on public social media accounts.
• If you think someone is monitoring your travel:
  • Note which days, times, or locations feel most concerning
  • Record any repeated sightings or incidents in a simple log
  • Review route and timing options that may reduce overlap with that person
• For children or others who use transit with you, you may choose to:
  • Practice alternate routes together
  • Agree on clear meet-up points if separation happens
  • Review what to do if plans change while in transit

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