Transit Watch

The Transit Watch campaign is a nationwide safety and security awareness program designed to encourage the active participation of transit passengers and employees in working together to maintain a safe transit environment. The campaign provides information and instructions to transit passengers and employees so that they know what to do and whom to contact in the event of an emergency in a transit setting. Transit Watch invites riders and employees to be the "eyes and ears" of their local transit system.

More About Transit Watch

Transit Watch was developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in partnership with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In response to the need for increased attention to safety and security in today's post-9/11 environment, the City of Delano is pleased to participate in the nationwide efforts to ensure the safety and security on all DART buses, transfer terminals and maintenance facilities.

With the help of city employees and the Delano Police Department, the City of Delano is able to successfully introduce Transit Watch. Bus placards, posters and brochures are strategically displayed in buses encouraging residents to report anything suspicious while using transit.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the bus operator, the Delano Police Department, by calling (661) 721-3377 or 9-1-1.

Help Keep the System Safe

Packages

If you spot an unattended package, look for the following:
  • Placement in an out-of-the-way location
  • Individuals in the act of abandoning the package and hastily departing the area
  • Unusual attached batteries, wires, tanks, bottles, or bags that might contain chemicals
  • An attached message
  • Nearby individuals showing signs of illness or distress
  • A suspicious cloud, mist, gas, vapor, odor, or seeping fluid

Behavior

If you spot any suspicious individuals engaged in questionable activity, look for the following:
  • Visible signs of nervousness
  • Excessive sweating
  • Sprayer bottles or aerosol canisters
  • Inappropriate clothing that is excessively baggy or too heavy in warm weather

Be Prepared

Here are some tips to be sure that you are prepared:
  • Select a location outside your home as a family meeting point should your home need to be evacuated
  • Create an advanced plan for maintaining contact with family members if separated as a result of an emergency
  • Identify alternate routes and means of reaching your meeting point in the event your main route is impassable
  • Keep a record of all contact and emergency information and update it regularly as needed
  • Make sure your emergency information and contact numbers are with you at all times
  • Keep a local map handy for reference
  • Create an advanced plan for maintaining contact with close friends and colleagues during an extended emergency period.