Many U.S. transit systems, designed decades ago, must now meet the expectations of today’s riders while navigating new safety risks. Security incidents related to theft, assault, and property damage are receiving greater public attention, particularly during late-night or low-ridership periods. 

Agencies in major cities are actively responding with expanded budgets and dedicated safety programs. These organizations are innovating in real time by piloting new surveillance technologies, increasing staff presence, and coordinating with public safety entities to strengthen community confidence in the transit experience. 

One of the key factors shaping transit safety is station design. Many legacy systems were constructed before principles like crime prevention through environmental design were standard practice. As a result, lighting, visibility, and security systems coverage can vary across the network.

Modern upgrades, such as enhanced lighting, emergency communication devices, elevator retrofits and redundancies, and CCTV expansion, are now being deployed through capital programs. Transit agencies are also exploring how to better align internal security teams with contracted security services, ambassadors, and first responders to reduce gaps in communication and response. Centralizing operations through a dedicated security office can further improve coordination and situational awareness.

Architectural and engineering design play a critical role in shaping transit safety outcomes. Features such as sightlines, spatial openness, durable materials, intuitive circulation paths, and universally accessible layouts foster a sense of safety while reducing opportunities for concealment or conflict.

Agencies across the U.S. are piloting and scaling approaches that prioritize safety while improving operational coordination. Proven and emerging practices include: 

• Centralized Coordination: Centralized security operations centers improve visibility and control across large, multi-agency environments. These centers support real-time monitoring, streamlined dispatch, and coordinated follow-up. 
• Advanced Surveillance: Video analytics are being used to detect irregularities and trigger alerts. Live and recorded footage can be integrated with incident management tools to support rapid response and investigation. 
• Rider Communication Tools: Mobile applications allow riders to report concerns anonymously in multiple languages. These tools promote transparency and engagement when paired with push notifications and feedback loops.  
• Visible and Trained Presence: Agencies are expanding their use of ambassadors and civilian support teams to increase coverage. Along with law enforcement and uniformed employees, these teams contribute to a safe and approachable transit environment. 
• Social Services Integration: Transit systems intersect with broader public health and housing challenges. Coordination with local social services helps direct support to people in need while reducing strain on transit operations. 

Transit safety is increasingly data-driven. With thousands of CCTV feeds, real-time sensors, and mobile app inputs, agencies are adopting platforms like physical security information management systems to centralize operations. Standardized protocols, such as the open network video interface forum, ensure integration between legacy and modern technologies.

Tools like CompStat, pioneered by public safety organizations, offer a proven model for applying security data and analytics to resource planning, hotspot monitoring, and performance tracking at both strategic and tactical levels.

Safety doesn’t stop at riders. Every person working in or around the system, including law enforcement officers, security personnel, ambassadors, and transit employees, requires access to communication tools, emergency training, and protective equipment.  

This includes: 

• Reliable two-way radios and cellular service in underground areas. 
• Access to first aid, personal protective equipment, and overdose response tools like Narcan. 
• Ongoing training in de-escalation, emergency response, and community coordination. 

Public awareness campaigns, like “See Something, Say Something,” continue to empower riders to speak up and must be clearly posted and supported across all transit environments. 

Safety is a shared responsibility. Transit agencies, city governments, social service providers, and technology partners all contribute to building secure systems that support mobility. 

At GFT, our interdisciplinary teams work alongside clients to turn insights into action, designing and delivering integrated infrastructure solutions that are resilient, people-centered, and ready for what’s next.