OC Transpo, along with its regional and national transportation partners, has launched a new program that they say will make public transit safer in the National Capital Region.
OC Transpo, la Société de transport de l’Outaouais and Transport Canada have all teamed up for the project which includes a public awareness campaign and a hotline, 310-2828, which riders can call if they see anything suspicious such as unusual behavior or packages.
Riders are still urged to call 9-1-1 if there is a life-threatening emergency or a crime being committed.
The program is based on a concept designed by the New York Metropolitan Transportation.
With more than 400,000 riders a day in the National Capital Region, the city says safety is a top priority.
As part of the project, posters and pamphlets showing a man lurking in the background at a bus stop and a ticking suitcase underneath a bus seat are being distributed on public transportation.
“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 in a press release. "The public can do their part by reporting anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. If you see something, say something.”
The transit companies received funding from the federal government for the initiative.