NCJ Number
144600
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A new program, Travel Safe, was introduced at the end of 1990 to deal with problems of passenger safety and vandalism on train, tram, and bus systems operated by the Public Transport Corporation (PTC) in Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
New information gathering and analysis systems were created, and a forum for community consultation was established. Improved procedures were introduced to clean up graffiti, repair vandalism, and collect litter. Security and customer safety were enhanced by better lighting and closed- circuit television surveillance and by the provision of more public telephones throughout the systems. Patrolling of trains, stations, and other facilities was greatly increased; as a result, large reductions occurred in the number of crimes against persons, vandalism, and graffiti and in the number of trains removed from service. With respect to crimes against persons, about 57 incidents occurred per month in 1989-1990, and this figure dropped to about 33 percent in 1991-1992. With reductions in vandalism and graffiti, fewer cancellations were necessary, resulting in improved public service. To ensure that safety improvements are maintained, the PTC is working with other agencies, such as local governments, to instill greater respect for public property in the community. 6 references, 1 table, and 3 figures