Ensuring the safety and security of customers is a core responsibility of public transit agencies, and perceptions of personal safety strongly influence travel behavior. Concerns about assaults and fear while traveling or waiting for service can deter transit use, while research suggests that improving feelings of security could increase ridership. TRB hosted a webinar on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern that highlighted practical strategies and real-world experiences from transit agency leaders who have taken action to strengthen security and reduce the likelihood of assaults. The session featured findings and tools from two TCRP studies, including a transit security guide, a mitigation interactive matrix, and a social media toolkit designed to support agencies in their efforts. Presenters shared their research and perspectives and discussed lessons learned from implementing measures to improve security for passengers and transit workers.
This webinar was based on TCRP Research Report 258: Mitigation Strategies for Deterring Transit Assaults and TCRP Synthesis 184: Improving Transit Customer Perception of Personal Security.
This webinar is sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program.
The slides are available.
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Overview of TCRP studies and tools – Joan Hudson, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Denver RTD experience with addressing passenger and transit worker (non-operator) assaults – Steve Martingano, Denver RTD
• Agency strategies used to improve customer security and mitigate assaults – Jerry DeMuro and Moises Mejia Jr., Sun Metro
• Question and answer session moderated by Joan Hudson, Texas A&M Transportation Institute

The first 40 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 20 minutes were reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Navigate the transit guide, mitigation matrix, and social media toolkit
• Apply strategies for improving customer security and mitigating transit assault
• Analyze agency experiences to inform implementation of customer security and assault mitigation efforts in their own systems

 
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credit. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.