Bus Travelers

Mass transit systems (i.e., DART and AMTRAK) may be vulnerable to both accidents and terrorist incidents. Mass transit customers should be aware and vigilant. Be well informed and know your surroundings, to ensure that you travel safely. Security awareness is everyone’s responsibility. Take time to make it an integral part of your travel experience

If you see something, say something

• Be aware of suspicious activity in and around your immediate surroundings. Inform the proper authorities if you are concerned about an unattended item or suspicious activity in and around any facility. Be extra careful if you work on your laptop. Working takes your attention away from your surroundings.
• Remember to control all carry-on bags and keep your items and tickets with you at all times. Medicines, cash, jewelry, business papers and valuables should be packed in carry-on bags.
• Never leave anything unattended as it could be subjected to tampering and/or theft
• Never carry anything from another person, especially for someone you do not know
• If you notice a suspicious item, do NOT touch it. Contact the authorities and provide a description of the item and its location. DO NOT use your cell phone within 50 feet of a suspicious item
• If you notice a suspicious individual, contact authorities and provide a complete description, including race, sex, height, weight, clothing, objects the subject may be carrying, location of the individual and direction of travel and what aroused your suspicion

When traveling, be on the look out for:

• Unusual behavior and suspicious activity
• Suspicious or unattended packages, devices, baggage, suitcases
• Emergency notification and procedures given by the station manager or bus driver
• Location of emergency exits, fire extinguishers and posted emergency instructions in stations or on buses
• Irregular and/or suspicious activities and items

Be aware of items or devices that:

• Were hidden or abandoned
• Are connected to wires, timers, tanks, or bottles
• Appear to be releasing a mist, gas, vapor, or odor
• Appear to be suspicious or dangerous, such as a canister, tank, metal box, bottle, etc

If an emergency occurs:

• If able, try to help those around you. Assist people with disabilities, seniors, and small children.
• Only exit if you are in immediate danger or instructed to do so.
• The bus operator is your best source for information since they are in constant communication with control centers. If the Public Address system malfunctions, a crew member will instruct patrons on evacuation procedures.
• Only use cell phones if you absolutely must as they could interfere with emergency personnel equipment. Cell phones are unlikely to work in tunnels.