How to protect yourself when you're out walking or using public transit
You should tell a neighbour or a friend where you are going and how long you will be away.
Try to walk in daylight hours or in well lit busy areas. Avoid short cuts through parks and dark or deserted areas.
Use the buddy system -- travel with a friend.
Always walk in the middle of the sidewalk.
Walk with confidence, and do not carry too many parcels.
All Calgary Transit operators and other personnel, such as supervisors and maintenance staff, have radios and can provide customer assistance. In addition, uniformed and plain-clothes Protective Services Officers patrol Calgary Transit facilities day and night.
Here are some suggestions for using public transportation safely and conveniently. To find out more about these services or for trip planning assistance, call Calgary Transit Customer Services at 262-1000.
Calgary Transit operates low-floor buses on many routes. These buses feature a single-step entry, about 14 inches above the ground. On request, bus drivers can lower the front of the buses and lower a ramp to the ground. The nearly flat entry with no steps allows convenient access for everyone, including customers using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches and walkers.
Accessible bus routes are printed in a bright colour in Calgary Transit's large Transit Map. Also, individual pocket schedules for accessible routes show a wheelchair graphic on the front panel.
At some times, regular buses without low-floor features operate on the routes. These trips are highlighted in the pocket schedules.
Wait for the bus with other people in a well-lit area. To reduce waiting time at your bus stop, call the Calgary Transit Teleride line (403-537-7777) and enter your four digit bus zone number to find out when the next two or three buses will arrive.
Persons who use a wheelchair or scooter may travel with an attendant on Calgary Transit for the price of one transit fare. An Attendant Identification Card, valid as one fare payment, will be issued to all who qualify.
Sit near the driver if possible. Priority seats for persons with disabilities and senior citizens are located beside the front door of Calgary Transit buses. The priority seating area provides easy access for customers with restricted mobility and makes it easier to communicate with the driver.
Hold your purse and packages securely on your lap.
It is a good idea to stay alert and awake on the bus.
Tell the driver immediately if someone is bothering you.
When you want to get off the bus, signal the driver by pulling the cable located along the window or push the "next stop" button on the vertical grab bar in the priority seating area. The "next stop" sign at the front of the bus will light up, informing passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing that the bus will stop at the next bus stop. A bell also rings to let other transit customers know the bus will stop.
Stay on the bus if you notice someone or something suspicious at your stop, and tell the driver about your concerns.
Tip: Calgary Transit offers a Stop Request service. After 9:00 p.m., as long as it is safe to do so, your bus driver can let you off along the route at a convenient location between regular bus stops. Make the request at least one bus stop ahead of where you want to get off.
All C-Train stations are accessible. Designated parking stalls for persons with disabilities are available at all C-Train stations with park and ride lots.
The centre doors on each C-Train car are wheelchair accessible and are marked with a wheelchair decal. Priority seats for people with disabilities and senior citizens are located by the C-Train doors.
In an emergency on the C-Train, press the red HELP intercom button beside the C-Train door to talk to the C-Train operator. The HELP buttons beside the centre doors have been placed lower so they can be reached from a wheelchair.
At C-Train stations and platforms, use the red HELP intercom button if there is an emergency, such as fire, smoke, vandalism, a medical emergency, or customers being bothered.
Calgary Transit personnel monitor the stations and platforms using a network of about 200 security cameras and respond to requests made on the Transit Help Intercom System.
Tip: While waiting at a C-Train station or platform, stay in view of a security camera, near a HELP intercom. Transit personnel will be able to see what is happening around you.
