In response to concerns about rider safety, TriMet in Portland has launched a set of new security measures, including a Security Operations Center that will provide round-the-clock surveillance and monitoring. The new center, which began operations in September, serves as a hub for the agency's various security services and is staffed with security personnel who can dispatch assistance when needed.
With the installation of Blue Light phones, riders on the MAX train lines now have a direct line to TriMet's Security Operations Center, accessible at the push of a button. These phones, featuring integrated cameras, enable dispatchers to observe and address suspicious or concerning situations. If a dispatcher sees something out of the ordinary, "they can speak to whoever is close enough to hear the speaker," according to a report by KGW.
"Twenty-four hours a day, we have a Security Operations Center that has live-view access for over 3,000 cameras, so that's a powerful response," Wilson told KGW. This massive increase in surveillance is part of TriMet's efforts to reassure the public that safety is their paramount concern. As Wilson noted, prompt response to calls is assured, with the extent of physical response times relying on the available resources.
Despite the advancements, perceptions of safety among the public remain an issue. Recent surveys indicated that only about half of the respondents felt safe on TriMet buses and even fewer on the MAX trains. However, with the drop in calls for police service, it seems the new safety features may be having an impact. "The reactive approach is really solid - we can get that, but we are looking and continuing to explore our proactive approaches in certain areas," Wilson explained to KPTV. He also reminded the community that 911 should always be the first call in case of an emergency, but he hoped the new measures would reduce other nuisances that contribute to feelings of unsafety.
TriMet has doubled its safety staff over the past two years to bolster its security operations. The Rose Quarter Transit Station is currently equipped with one of the new Blue Light phones, with plans to install more along the Max lines. The initiative is seen as a step forward in improving both actual safety and the perception of safety for riders across Portland's public transit system, as reported by KOIN.
