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 who 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.
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).
Be on the alert for suspicious situations:
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; and
- A suspicious cloud, mist, gas, vapor, odor or seeping fluid.
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; and
- Inappropriate clothing that is excessively baggy or too heavy in warm weather.
To Report Suspicious Activity:
The RTC established a dedicated hotline, 702-598-EYES (3937) for transit riders to call with reports of suspicious behavior. The hotline is being managed by Wackenhut of Nevada, located at the South Strip Transfer Terminal (SSTT) and will transfer all applicable calls to the appropriate law enforcement authority. You can also e-mail the RTC directly at tw@rtcsnv.com.
