SAFETY AND SECURITY

Let’s count on each other for a safe, secure, and clean ride!

It takes a team to make sure our buses and transit centers are safe, secure, and clean. While GET staff works hard to ensure the safety and security of its customers, our customers also play an important role in enhancing the safety and security. You truly are an extra set of eyes and ears for GET.

Public transit is a safe and affordable way for millions of Americans to travel. Yet on rare occasions, police emergencies, suspicious activity, natural disasters, fires, and collisions will require quick thinking and action in order to avoid potential dangers. As a transit rider, staying informed along with being alert and prepared will help keep our buses and transit centers safe and secure.

Here are some practical tips and important information on bus transit safety and security. At GET, we work hard to ensure your safety on every trip. The following tips are always good to follow while riding the bus.

Key Numbers and Hotlines for Security Concerns: 

Police Emergencies – 911
Graffiti Hotline – 661-323-7273
Report Criminal Activity – 661-327-7111
Suspected Gang Activity – 661-326-3355

Additional Information – 661-869-2GET

How to Report Vandalism

Notify driver immediately if you witness anyone vandalizing a GET bus or other GET property.

Video cameras installed in all GET buses

All fixed-route and paratransit buses are equipped with surveillance cameras. These cameras tape activity within the bus as well as the area around the outside of the bus. They also record all verbal activity in the operator area. This equipment helps during the investigation of reported incidents such as vandalism or accidents.

Safety on the Bus and at the Transit Centers

General Safety

  • Never run after or next to a moving bus.
  • Don’t play near buses; pushing and shoving can cause accidents.
  • Hold on to your child when a bus approaches.
  • Wait for the vehicle to stop before approaching.
  • Wait for exiting passengers to leave, then board.
  • Watch your step, especially at night or in wet weather.
  • Take a seat if possible; use handrails/handholds.
  • Be ready to exit when you arrive at your stop.

Graffiti

Please help GET keep our buses clean. If you see somebody causing damage of any kind to the interior or exterior of a GET bus, never take the law into your own hands. Instead, please do one of the following:
Alert the coach operator.
Call the Graffiti Hotline – 661-323-7273
I would suggest including emergency and security contact information near the top and bottom of the page so that it's easy to access in an emergency or urgent situation.

Bus Tips

  • Wait on the sidewalk away from the curb, not in or near the street.
  • When using bike racks, always stay in view of the bus operator.
  • When standing on the bus, stay behind the white line, not on the steps.
  • Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
  • Make sure children are seated when the bus is in motion, not standing on bus seats or moving around the bus.
  • Exit through the rear doors whenever possible.
  • Step away after exiting.
  • If you drop something when exiting, leave it on the ground until the bus drives away.
  • Be familiar with all emergency exits, including windows and ceiling hatches.
  • Do not talk with the driver while the bus is in motion.
  • Most buses are able to “kneel” for easy access by customers who have difficulty climbing stairs. If you would like the bus to “kneel,” simply ask the driver.

Security on the Bus

  • Together with GET employees you can make a difference in keeping our buses and transit centers safe and secure. If you hear, see, or smell something suspicious, trust your instincts and inform transit officials or the police.
  • Familiarize yourself with the following signs of suspicious activity and report people who are:
  • Engaged in any suspicious activity.
  • In an unauthorized or restricted area.
  • Loitering, staring or watching employees and passengers.
  • Pacing, nervous or jumpy.
  • Abandoning items and quickly departing.
  • Acting in a disorderly manner or disturbing others.
  • Photographing equipment or secure areas.
  • Carrying a weapon or appearing to have a weapon.
  • Wearing clothing that is extremely inappropriate for the weather, such as a heavy coat on a hot day.

Suspicious Packages

  • Most unattended items are simply lost or left behind. However, look for the following characteristics and report suspicious items to transit officials or the police:
  • Placement in an out-of-the-way location.
  • Attached batteries, wires, tanks, bottles or bags that might contain chemicals or explosives.
  • An attached message.
  • A suspicious cloud, mist, gas, vapor, odor or seeping fluid.
  • Nearby individuals showing signs of illness or distress.