GRTC adding safety officers, ambassadors to buses to increase security
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) announced on Tuesday, Jan. 27, that it has launched its new Public Safety Officers (PSO) and Public Safety Ambassador (PSA) programs. This comes after there have been several violent incidents on GRTC buses and bus stops within the last year. Most recently, after a 16-year-old was shot in Aug. 2024, residents voiced their concerns about safety on public transit. The programs were created to enhance security, provide customer assistance and help bring the community together in the transit system. According to GRTC, these programs were curated to create a safer and more welcoming environment for riders. The public safety officers will help maintain a secure environment, in hopes of deterring any potential disruptions while also guaranteeing a faster response to incidents, according to GRTC. The public safety ambassadors will be a customer-focused presence that assists passengers, addressing concerns and answering questions. Both will be trained in de-escalating techniques to promote safe transit for passengers. "Safety is our number one priority," said GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams. "The launch of the Public Safety Officer and Public Safety Ambassador programs is a significant step forward in enhancing the transit experience for both our staff and passengers across the GRTC network." For more information, visit the Greater Richmond Transit Company's website.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) announced on Tuesday, Jan. 27, that it has launched its new Public Safety Officers (PSO) and Public Safety Ambassador (PSA) programs.
This comes after there have been several violent incidents on GRTC buses and bus stops within the last year. Most recently, after a 16-year-old was shot in Aug. 2024, residents voiced their concerns about safety on public transit.
The programs were created to enhance security, provide customer assistance and help bring the community together in the transit system. According to GRTC, these programs were curated to create a safer and more welcoming environment for riders.
The public safety officers will help maintain a secure environment, in hopes of deterring any potential disruptions while also guaranteeing a faster response to incidents, according to GRTC.
The public safety ambassadors will be a customer-focused presence that assists passengers, addressing concerns and answering questions.
Both will be trained in de-escalating techniques to promote safe transit for passengers.
"Safety is our number one priority," said GRTC CEO Sheryl Adams. "The launch of the Public Safety Officer and Public Safety Ambassador programs is a significant step forward in enhancing the transit experience for both our staff and passengers across the GRTC network."
For more information, visit the Greater Richmond Transit Company's website.
