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Reporting Suspicious Activity

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Transit Watch (780-442-4900)

Every ETS customer deserves to feel safe when riding transit. Our Transit Watch program is one way that customers are empowered to report immediate safety concerns, like harassment*, disorder or suspicious behaviour, directly to ETS staff. You can call or text Transit Watch at 780-442-4900.

If you see something out of the ordinary, say something. We encourage all transit riders to report any safety concerns. We are here to help. Remember, for emergencies, immediately call 9-1-1. 

*Harassment is a form of discrimination. It includes any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour. Harassment comes in many forms and can be based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation and age. Harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, is unacceptable. If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Options for Reporting Safety Concerns

NEW: Text message

To discreetly report immediate safety concerns, text Transit Watch at 780-442-4900 anywhere, anytime. ETS staff will assist you and dispatch officers, if needed.

Help options on LRT

All trains are equipped with help buttons, pull handles and push strips. It’s a great practice to be aware of these options while on board. These options connect directly to the LRT Operator driving the train.

Phone Us

Different phone options are available to report safety concerns to ETS staff:

  • Emergency blue phones on all LRT platforms and transit centres
  • Call Transit Watch at 780-442-4900

Uniformed Person

If you see something out of the ordinary, report it immediately to the bus or LRT Operator, other uniformed ETS personnel or law enforcement personnel.

How do I report a safety concern?

Text Message

  • To discreetly report immediate safety concerns to ETS staff, any time of day, text 780-442-4900. For emergencies, immediately call 9-1-1.
  • Please provide detail in your text message - for example: Are you on a bus? Which bus? Are you on a train? What LRT station is coming up next? What is the situation? Specifics are important. 
  • The text message will be received by ETS staff in the Control Centre, and they will respond to you as quickly as possible. 

Phone

  • Call Transit Watch at 780-442-4900. For emergencies, immediately call 9-1-1.
  • If possible, use an emergency blue phone (located on LRT platforms and transit centres) to report harassment, disorder, or suspicious behaviour. Do not call until you are a safe distance away (approximately 300 feet).
  • Do not confront suspicious individuals or touch suspicious objects, packages or substances.
     
When should I text and when should I call 9-1-1?

The text message tool should be used to discreetly report immediate safety concerns, such as harassment, disorder or suspicious behaviour. For emergencies, immediately call 9-1-1. For general information, like route or schedule inquiries, customers should continue to use Transit app, Google Maps, our website, or call 311.

If I send a text message, will it cost me anything on my phone bill?

Standard rates apply. Please check with your wireless carrier. 

Can I send photos or video clips via text?

No, we can not receive photos or videos through our text number at this time. We are looking to include photos and videos in the future.

How fast is the text response? Who is responding?

ETS staff will monitor this text line around the clock. They will do their best to respond with a text as quickly as they can. If there happens to be multiple texts at one time, ETS staff are highly trained and will prioritize and dispatch resources appropriately. Depending on the nature of the safety concern and the location, it may take security resources or ETS staff several minutes to be on location.     

What if the person texting is a minor. Will there be a different response?

Anyone can report a safety concern, regardless of age. The nature of the concern will guide the type of response. Sensitivity is exercised in all responses. If the concern involves a minor, staff will ask questions to determine the appropriate resource to deploy. Reports should include location, nature of concern along with any other relative details which may assist (location, bus number, direction of travel or next station if on the LRT, description of people involved, and so on).

Does the text message service work when there is no cell service?

There are certain locations on transit, namely underground LRT tunnels, where cell service can be spotty. In these situations we recommend, if you feel comfortable, waiting until you have cell service, or if not, pushing a help button on the LRT that will allow you to communicate directly with the Operator of the train.  

For More Information

Contact ETS

Telephone

311
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/takeETS
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/EdmontonTransit/
Twitter https://twitter.com/takeetsalert

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