OC Transpo will introduce a new app next year used for reporting crime on transit as an alternative to the current anonymous online reporting form.
“Over the last year, we’ve made a concerted effort to take a step up and take a system-wide view to try and enhance the safety of our transit system,” the city’s chief safety officer Sabrina Pasian told Transit Committee Nov. 24.
The new app is part of updates to OC Transpo’s safety efforts and will provide transit riders with a direct line to special constable units, who will use the app to respond to situations more quickly.
The customer-facing app will provide a discreet platform for riders to text, call or upload videos and photos to accompany a request for help, giving special constables visibility and context when called for assistance. Communication with the special constable unit will happen in real-time, allowing riders to text or call while events are taking place.
“Safety is an ongoing process of ingenious improvement and vigilance,” Pasian told the committee.
Chief Special Constable Peter Scislowski highlighted key points of the developing strategy including a 25 per cent increase to staffing levels.
“We’ve been able to make substantial improvements to the special constable unit,” said Scislowski. “This year we’ve successfully hired and trained 21 special constables, three sergeants and six community engagement officers. This level of increase in a single year is a first in our history.”
Scislowski says increased officer presence in the transit network will enhance safety while encouraging riders to report crime more confidently. Other additional enhancements to transit safety will be explored, said Scislowski, such as improvements to CCTV footage through the potential use of artificial intelligence.
“[This] would flag unusual behavior in real-time, such as assault, vandalism, loitering, and emergencies which would require special constables,” said Scislowski.
Navigating security challenges and exploring potential ways to integrate features from existing transit apps are among some of the details still being explored.
The special constable unit will continue working closely with OC Transpo partners to apply the use of emerging technology and explore potential designs for the new app.
