City of Calgary taking steps to improve transit system safety
Efforts are underway by the City of Calgary to increase safety along its transit lines.
Monday, the city announced a multi-pronged approach heading into 2023.
The city says it is actively recruiting new peace officers and enhanced security guards, as well as piloting a "transit ambassador" program.
The goal, the city says, is to add 141 more peace officers and 31 enhanced security guards to the system.
Meanwhile, transit ambassadors will be employees who serve to increase visible presence and report incidents, as well as take questions and direct passengers.
More staff will also be added at operations control, to better keep an eye on some 1,200 CCTV feeds.
Additionally, lighting will be improved on LRT platforms from city hall to Downtown West-Kerby, so some of those cameras are better able to capture events.
"We have heard from Calgarians, and want you (to) know we are working hard to make Transit in Calgary safer," said city manager David Duckworth.
"This is a highly co-ordinated, multi-agency effort involving the Calgary Police Service, Transit Safety, Community Services, 911 and Calgary’s many community social service partners, stepping up their collaborative efforts to increase safety for Calgarians."
Monday, the city also reminded Calgarians of its TransitWatch program, which "allows Calgarians to discretely report safety concerns through our silent text services at 74100."
"In addition, our CTrain stations, platforms and MAX Purple stations are all equipped with help phones," the city said.
"We encourage riders to report any safety concerns. In situations where they feel that their safety is threatened, riders are reminded to always call 911."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.