Safety & Security

Be involved. Be informed. Be alert. Be prepared. These 4 "B's" are your ticket to a safe, secure ride.

Public telephones are located near many major bus transfer areas and near all MetroLink station entrances. In an emergency, you can dial 911, for free, from a public telephone. In addition, the Police patrols MetroBus transfer areas, MetroLink stations and light rail vehicles.

On MetroBus, if you have a safety or security concern, inform your MetroBus Operator. MetroBus vehicles are equipped with two-way radio communications. In emergencies, exterior destination signs on buses can be activated to display "Call 911".

On MetroLink, if you have a safety or security concern, i nform a security guard or police officer. Safety announcements may be made over our public address system. Metro monitors all MetroLink stations via closed-circuit television. MetroLink trains are also equipped with two-way radio communications. You may also use Passenger Assistance buttons, located on the platform at every MetroLink station and behind the operator's cabin on board.

Safety FAQs

When traveling on MetroBuses and MetroLink, assistance is always close. We have designed the transit system with you, our customer, in mind. Here are a few safety and security features for our transit rider.

• A comprehensive security system is in place MetroLink commuters. Stations have closed-circuit television monitoring. Passenger Assistance buttons are located at every station on the platform. Police patrol rail cars and stations.
• In an emergency, you can dial 911 from a public telephone. Public telephones are located near all MetroLink station entrances and near many major bus transfer areas. Calling 911 is always free.
• When boarding the bus, use a shelter or bus stop with good lighting. Inform Metro by calling Customer Service at 314-982-1406 if you encounter dim lighting or no lighting at our facilities.
• If you have a safety or security concern, inform your operator. MetroBuses are equipped with two-way radio communications. Exterior destination signs on MetroBuses can display "Call 911" when activated, too.
• On MetroLink, use the Passenger Assistance button to notify operators of a problem. MetroLink is also equipped with two-way radio communications. The Passenger Assistance button is located on all trains behind the operator's cabin.
• Inform a security guard or police officer of problems. They are there to help make your trip a safe one.
• Listen to announcements over our public address system. They may relate to service or safety issues.

Good habits go a long way! They contribute to safety on MetroBuses and MetroLink. Below are a few safety tips that we consider good habits! These tips will help to make every trip a safe one.

Board and Exit MetroBuses and MetroLink with Care

• Never run for a MetroBus or MetroLink. You may slip and fall.
• Allow people to exit the bus or MetroLink before boarding.
• Do not block vehicle doors. Someone may trip over you or your belongings.
• If crossing the street to board a bus, look first and make sure all approaching traffic has stopped.
• When exiting a MetroBus, wait until the bus moves away before you step into the street so that you can clearly see traffic.
• When traveling with small children, hold on to them as they leave the vehicle to keep them from stepping into traffic.
• Always obey traffic signals and cross the street at corners. Never run out in front of or behind a MetroBus.
• When boarding or leaving vehicles, keep all bags, parcels and knapsacks clear of the doors. Carry these items in front of you so that they do not catch in the doors as they are closing.
• When riding on buses, never stick your arm or head out of a window.

Additional Tips For Boarding And Exiting MetroLink

• While waiting on the platform, stand back. Stay away from the edge of the platform indicated by the perforated rubber strip.
• When boarding or exiting the train, mind the gap between the train and platform.
• Look both ways before crossing the tracks and do not cross too closely in front or behind the train.
• Cross tracks only at intersections where you see crossing signs.
• Stay off MetroLink's tracks.
• When riding MetroLink, never lean against the train doors. Stay seated or hold on to the handrails.
• Do not try to force open the train doors.
• Don't touch or throw things at the overhead electrical wire.
• Stay off bridges and out of tunnels.

Be Careful on Stairs and Escalators

• Walk, do not run.
• Hold the handrail securely.
• Stand to the right on stairs and escalators. Walk on the left on escalators.
• Never use strollers or other wheeled devices on escalators.
• Hold on to children when using escalators.

A Safety Tip for Drivers

• Never race the train or drive around lowered gates. Pay attention to warning bells and horns. Be prepared to stop.

About Personal Security

In addition to safety, personal security of riders is important to Metro. Though no plan will guarantee 100% results, the following is a course of action. When practiced, these security tips can add to your personal safety.

• When using public transportation, know the rout. If traveling late at night, have someone meet you at the bus stop or MetroLink station to accompany you when walking home.
• When waiting for a bus or train, wait near other people. On the bus, sit close to the driver. When riding MetroLink, sit with a crowd. Don't isolate yourself. There is safety in numbers.
• Plan your trips to avoid waiting unnecessarily at bus stops or MetroLink. Call Metro's Transit Information at 231-2345 in Missouri or 271-2345 in Illinois for transit schedules.
• When walking to a bus stop or MetroLink station, walk with confidence and be alert to your surroundings.
• Be aware of places you can get help on your route, like open stores, restaurants and public telephones.
• Avoid taking short cuts or waiting in unlit areas.
• If traveling at night, you may request a stop on your route to get off the bus at locations other than regular bus stops. Leave the bus by the front doors.
• Avoid displaying money or jewelry in public places. Have your fare ready when boarding a bus or buying a MetroLink tickets.
• Watch your handbag and packages. Do not leave them unattended. Put your purse, packages, etc. in your lap. Keep your handbag close to you.
• Visually scan the parking lot before and after you park, and before walking back to your car. Check your car before getting in. If something looks suspicious, contact security or the police.

What to do in Emergencies

• An important part of running safe transit system is preparing for emergencies. Metro employees are always ready to respond when needed – and you can be too.
• For emergencies – fire, harassment, illness, accident, threats to passenger safety, and vandalism tell the operator immediately.
• If there is smoke or some other emergency on the system, you may have to leave the bus, station, or train. If so, leave bicycles, strollers, and large parcels behind. Offers to help elderly or disabled people and those with young children.
• If you have to leave a train that has stopped between stations, follow instructions from the train crew. Walk-do not run. Watch the ground carefully to avoid tripping.
• Listen carefully for announcements and follow instructions.