OC Transpo special constables are getting out of their cars and onto Ottawa streets and buses after the transit company renewed its foot patrol-based Walk and Ride program earlier this month.
The initiative, previously cancelled in 2006, comes after 68 reports of assault on OC Transpo property in 2013.
James Babe, manager of transit safety and enforcement services, says he decided to bring the program back to give uniformed special constables more visibility at stations, stops and buses.
“The goal for them is to perform front-line enforcement duties, customer service, and be an approachable presence for our customers and staff,” Babe explains. Of the 68 reported assaults last year, 32 took place at bus stops, eight on buses and 29 at bus stations.
Babe says that OC Transpo was planning for better safety programs, and has been working with concerned, local women’s groups.
The number of assaults in 2013 was the highest ever reported.
Julie Lalonde, director of anti-street harassment initiative Hollaback! Ottawa, says she is pleased with the progress but hopes OC Transpo will do even more to prevent incidents.
“If (Walk and Ride) becomes the sole response to safety on transit, then that’s our concern,” explains Lalonde, who says she was assaulted twice in 2013 while riding the bus. “But it’s great to see. We’ve gotten lots of great feedback from folks in the community.”
Several highly publicized attacks caught the public’s attention. Ten of the 68 reported incidents happened in Centretown.
“Especially when (the assaults) initially occurred, I heard some of my neighbours express concerns and express certain fears about the safety issues,” says Jeff Morrison, president of the Centretown Community Health Centre. He added that the Walk and Ride program is a “step in the right direction.”
Lalonde and Morrison say they are skeptical that the number of special constables can address all issues. Currently, four officers are assigned zones to patrol by foot. Babe says eight special constables on four teams will be patrolling come summer.
“It’s not possible that they’re going to have enough constables to meet all the needs,” Morrison says. “But the fact that they’re getting out from behind the desk, out of the cars . . . I think that alone will help to act as that deterrent factor.”