Analyses of Technologies and Methodologies Adopted by U.S. Transit Agencies to Enhance Transit Security

Shen, L. David; Ospina, Diana I.; Zhao, Fang; Elbadrawi, Hesham R. · 1998 · ROSA P / National Urban Transit Institute (U.S.)

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Summary

This 1998 report, produced by the National Urban Transit Institute and Florida International University, investigates technologies and methodologies adopted by U.S. transit agencies to enhance security. The study was motivated by the Federal Transit Administration’s strategic emphasis on security as a critical component of transit system success, aiming to protect passengers, employees, and infrastructure while improving rider confidence. The research sought to identify successful pilot programs and effective strategies for controlling and preventing transit crime. The methodology involved data collection from twenty-five transit agencies operating guideway and/or bus systems, with detailed analysis focused on ten agencies selected for the completeness and accuracy of their responses. Data were gathered through telephone interviews, surveys, and site observations. The study categorized reported offenses between 1992 and 1995 into three types: crimes against passengers, crimes against system property, and crimes affecting security perception. The analysis also evaluated the effectiveness of various security technologies, including surveillance, communication, and access control systems, as well as policing and management strategies. The findings revealed that of the 89,590 offenses reported by the ten primary agencies, 51% were crimes against system property, 35% affected security perception, and 14% were crimes against passengers. Fare evasion was the most frequent violation, accounting for 63% of property crimes, followed by vandalism and graffiti. Crimes against passengers occurred most frequently in parking lots and adjacent areas, with theft being the most common offense. The study identified uniformed police or security personnel patrolling vehicles and properties as the most effective strategy for deterring crime, noting that police presence reduced incident response times by up to ten minutes. Among technologies, the integration of radio communication with closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance was found to be the most effective tool for combating various transit crimes. Public awareness programs were also deemed effective for informing riders of security measures without inducing fear. The significance of this research lies in its provision of evidence-based recommendations for transit agencies seeking to optimize security investments. By highlighting the prevalence of specific crimes and the efficacy of integrated technology and personnel strategies, the report offers a framework for enhancing both actual security and passenger perception. The findings underscore the importance of rapid response capabilities and visible security presence in maintaining operational success and rider confidence in urban transit systems.

Key finding

Uniformed police and security personnel patrolling vehicles and transit properties, combined with the integration of radio systems with closed-circuit television surveillance, are the most effective strategies and technologies for deterring transit crime.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 25

Provenance

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• automated enforcement cameras