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Opinion: As Canada ponders a task force, solutions for reducing public transit crime already exist

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Public transit is a central aspect for creating thriving and dynamic urban centres. Investment in affordable and efficient public transit, such as offering discounted fares for students and low-income riders, promotes and supports economic growth, reduces traffic, combats climate change and fosters community cohesion, well-being and safety.

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As Canadians navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, many have had to face the mounting challenges of inflation and consumer debt, along with housing and food insecurity. Having access to safe public transit can help alleviate these pressures. Unfortunately, with the recent rise in reported acts of random violence on transit systems across Canada, many Canadians are now apprehensive about riding public transit. Clearly, a failure to meaningfully address crime and violence on Canada’s transit systems will undoubtedly hinder efforts to regain pre-pandemic ridership levels. Rightfully, transit customers and workers alike are demanding answers and solutions.

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The Amalgamated Transit Union, representing 35,000 transit workers across Canada, has recently called for a national task force to address the growing issue of violence against both transit workers and customers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded, saying that the federal government will “step up” if necessary. Considering incidents of violence on transit systems are not just limited to the recent attacks in Toronto, but also experienced in cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax, federal leadership and support clearly are urgently needed.

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As a criminologist, adviser to the International Standards Organization on the guidelines for crime prevention through environmental design, member of the Calgary Transit Public Safety Citizen Oversight Committee and co-inventor of the SAFE Design Standard that is used by BC Transit, I can say with great confidence that the solutions for reducing crime on Canada’s transit systems already exist. The issue is a lack of co-ordination and financing for systems across the country.

In the past year, leaders and experts have proposed various measures to improve transit security and services. B.C.’s transportation and infrastructure minister, Rob Fleming, supports building affordable housing and providing more community services near transit stations. Cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Halifax have called for increased security and police presence at transit stations as well as on trains and buses. Calls have also been made for mental health professionals and social workers at transit stations to support those using transit facilities to escape the cold. The challenge now is to identify how these important proposals can most effectively be financed and implemented across Canada.

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Improving transit security requires integrated security technologies, and well-trained personnel, along with risk-informed, evidence-based and community-focused crime reduction through design programs, such as the SAFE Design Standard. Simply increasing the number of surveillance cameras or temporarily increasing security personnel is not enough. A comprehensive approach, including modernized security policies, specialized training for staff, improved station design and unconventional enforcement strategies aimed at supporting vulnerable populations while also promptly addressing violent behaviour is critical.

It’s time for governments at all levels to act on the call from transit workers and riders for a national task force. The federal government must support its provincial and municipal partners by providing expertise and funding to reduce crime and fear of crime on transit systems across Canada.

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Public transit stimulates local and regional economies, creates jobs, helps connect people to education and job opportunities, and helps combat climate change — ultimately contributing to a stronger and more equitable society. Governments, along with the public, must understand and accept that public transit is an investment in society, not a revenue-generating endeavour. In all regards, an investment in safe, effective and efficient public transit is an investment in more livable, vibrant and safer communities.

Clearly, the time is now for the federal government and its provincial and municipal partners to establish a national public transit security task force and increase investment in public transit by allocating the funds needed to enhance transit security, in turn boosting transit ridership and safety across Canada.

Kelly W. Sundberg is a criminologist and associate professor in the department of economics, justice and policy studies at Mount Royal University.

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