Staying alert A guide to passenger security

Staying alert A guide to passenger security

GO Safely GO Transit is one of the safest transit systems in North America. Still, we have to be prepared for unexpected incidents. Your safety and security are always our number one priority. When travelling on GO, you should take the same precautions you would in any busy public space. Let s work together to make your trip the safest it can be. We live in a world of heightened security and increased vigilance. GO Transit is committed to providing a safe transit system for our passengers and staff, and works closely with police and government agencies to monitor potential security risks. You can help us by being vigilant as well. Please don t leave your bags or packages unattended, even for a short time. If you see someone or something suspicious, or witness a crime, report it to the nearest GO staff member, such as a station attendant, serviceperson, train crew member, or bus driver. You can also call our 24-hour Transit Enforcement number at 905.803.0642 in Mississauga (collect calls accepted). In case of an emergency, call 911. In case of emergency, call 911 Call our 24-hour Transit Enforcement number 905.803.0642

GO Transit Staf f Here to Help Uniformed staff Don t hesitate to approach any staff member if you need assistance. All GO front-line staff are trained in first aid and CPR, and they can help you in an emergency or notify the appropriate emergency service. GO Transit Enforcement GO Transit s customer attendants and special constables work throughout the system, patrolling stations, terminals, parking lots, trains, and buses. Customer attendants are designated provincial offences officers who enforce GO Transit s bylaws across the system. Special constables are sworn peace officers, with police officer authority, who conduct regular security patrols. Special constables have the authority to investigate criminal matters, lay charges under federal or provincial law, and make arrests. Train crews and bus drivers See this brochure s sections on GO Trains and GO Buses to find out how staff on our vehicles can help you.

At the Station The number of people who travel on our trains and buses has increased dramatically. Managing the flow of customers who move through our stations during the rush periods is a challenge. Arrive at your station with plenty of time to spare, so you don t need to rush to catch the train. If your route to and from your GO station crosses train tracks, remember that it is dangerous and illegal to cross while warning devices such as gates and lights are active. Platforms For everyone s safety, and to keep the stair and escalator areas clear, spread out and use all the available space along train platforms. Use all doors when boarding and exiting trains. When leaving the platform, look for a staircase that s not busy. While waiting for trains, stand well behind the yellow line on the platform. Wait until your train has stopped before crossing the yellow line to board. GO shares the tracks with freight and other passenger trains, which can pass anytime at high speeds, often without notice. Going onto or crossing railway tracks is illegal, and you may be subject to a fine even if no trains are approaching. Tunnels Where visibility around a corner is restricted, we ve installed mirrors to let you see ahead. Be aware of your surroundings, and walk in designated, well-lit areas at terminals, stations, and in tunnels. These areas are safer than any shortcuts to the platform or parking lot. For public safety, security cameras may be operating along designated walkways, in tunnels, on platforms and in parking lots.

Union Station Tens of thousands of passengers make their way through Union Station during rush hour each weekday. To help with orderly, safe boarding and departure of trains, please wait in the concourse or other waiting area until the display monitors tell you to proceed to your track. This will also ensure that you hear announcements about your trip. Stay alert while on Union Station s train platforms, where passengers may be hurrying to their destinations and trains are entering and leaving the station.

GO Trains Passenger Security Priority alarms If you need emergency assistance while on the train, press the yellow priority alarm strip near the window or in the washroom. An audible signal will alert the train crew and identify which car you re in. The alarm also activates a flashing light on the train s exterior to let authorities know there s a problem in your car. Pressing the alarm does not stop the train. Train crews A train crew member can usually be found in the accessible car, which is always the fifth car from the locomotive. Crew members will respond to all priority alarm signals, and are in constant radio contact with each other, although they may sometimes have to leave the car temporarily for operational reasons. Evacuation Our railcars are equipped with clearly marked emergency exit doors and windows. Take note of where these are in your car, just in case. In a power outage on a train, each railcar has emergency battery power and glow-in-the-dark strips along the floors and stairwells that will guide you to the exits.

Moving between cars Our railcars are designed to allow access to the next car through a sliding door at each end. You can walk to another car at any time, even when the train is moving, although there is some side-to-side movement of the railcars on moving trains. Boarding and Exiting your GO Train Please allow passengers to get off the train before you board. Mind the gap between the platform and the train, especially if you have limited mobility, or are travelling with young children. If you re travelling with a stroller or a wheeled mobility device, use the accessible railcar, which is the fifth car from the locomotive. This car has been specially designed for easy access. At some stations, trains may sit with doors closed in "standby mode" until their scheduled departure time. Closing the doors helps maintain the temperature inside the car. To enter a railcar, simply look near the doorway for an illuminated "door open" button. Press it to open that set of doors.

GO Buses Passenger Security Bus drivers Sit up front near the driver for added security. If you have security concerns, tell your driver. Our drivers are always willing to assist passengers, but their first priority is to operate the bus safely. Only approach your bus driver when it s safe to do so. Every GO Bus is equipped with an alarm that the driver can use to communicate with our control centre. Drivers can use this system to quickly request assistance from GO Transit enforcement, police, and emergency services. Evacuation All our buses have emergency evacuation exits. GO Bus drivers are trained in emergency procedures. Night request stops If it s dark outside, or if you have safety concerns about a particular bus stop, you can be let off anywhere along the route as long as it s safe for the driver to stop. Just let your driver know in advance where you d like to disembark.

Boarding and Exiting your GO Bus To prevent falls, never run for a bus. At a bus stop or terminal, always stand well back from the curb until the bus has stopped and the doors open. For your safety, drivers are responsible for opening and closing luggage compartments. Activate the stop request well in advance of your bus stop, so that the driver has enough time to brake smoothly. Make sure to take all your belongings with you when you leave the bus. We suggest that you hold the handrail as you exit the bus, especially in winter. Always watch for traffic, and avoid crossing the street in front of the bus. When boarding a bus, please make sure you have one hand free to hold the handrail. If you have to stand while on the bus, stay behind the yellow line that separates the driver s compartment from the passenger area, and hold onto the handrails. Please do not push or lift a baby stroller into the bus with your child in it. Strollers must be folded if taken on the bus, or stored in the luggage compartment. Hold your child in your arms or by the hand.

Other Tips Telephones There are pay phones at every GO Train station and GO Bus terminal, which you can use to call Transit Enforcement, free of charge, at 905.803.0642. In any emergency, call 911 (also free) or ask the operator for assistance. Travelling at night Know your surroundings, stay in well-lit areas, walk with confidence, and avoid taking shortcuts in poorly lit or isolated areas. When approaching your car, have your keys ready in your hand. If you re getting a ride from the station, make arrangements before your trip, and stay near occupied, well-lit areas until your ride arrives. Protecting your belongings Discourage would-be thieves by using bags and purses that zip or buckle shut, and by carrying them securely in your arms instead of over your shoulder. Keep your belongings close to you at all times, and take everything with you when you get off the train or bus. Securing your car Put your belongings out of sight, shut the windows, lock the car, and take your keys. Don t leave spare keys, important documents, or personal identification in your car. If something happens to your car, report it to GO Transit or local police immediately. Timely reporting of vandalism and theft may help police recover your property. It will also allow us to focus patrols and surveillance on problem areas. Safety for children When travelling with children, teach them about the important safety measures that are designed to protect them, such as the yellow platform line. Point out our uniformed staff to children so they will know where to go if they need assistance.

If you have information about a crime, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477). You never have to give your name. Rewards may be paid for information leading to arrests and convictions. To find out more, visit the Crime Stoppers website at ontariocrimestoppers.com. If it s not an emergency, but you would still like to contact us, call us at any of the numbers below; fill out a customer comment form, available at GO stations or on our website; or write to us at 20 Bay Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2W3. GO INFO 416.869.3200 1.888.GET.ON.GO (438.6646) 1.800.387.3652 TTY gotransit.com