Approximately 4.6 million people call the Houston region home. With that many individuals on the move, maintaining your safety has never been more important. That's why METRO offers programs and services that help keep both you and your family safe.
Operator Training
Safety may start with you, but it continues on board our buses. Every operator (new or existing) must successfully complete METRO's enhanced new-hire training before they are allowed to carry a single passenger. This program lasts eight weeks and provides operators extensive training in such areas as:
• Basic Operator Safety — Intensive study of METRO's standard operating procedures.
• Defensive Driving — Teaches collision prevention and avoidance techniques.
• Video Simulator — Allows operators to learn from mistakes without experiencing the consequences.
• On-Road — Operators must log 210 hours of successful driving experience.
• Interactive Exam — Instructs operators on how to react and relate to people by enhancing customer relations skills through real-life situations.
Collectively, this form of in-depth training has helped METRO to achieve its safest year on record with less than one accident per every 100,000 miles driven in 2002. Rest assured that when you board a METRO bus, you're riding with one of the best-trained drivers in the country.
Safety and Maintenance
METRO's dedication to safety is apparent in the way we maintain our vehicles. Every bus and METROLift van receives a daily pre-trip inspection prior to leaving the garage. METRO Mechanics also select random vehicles to perform complete bumper-to-bumper inspections regardless of their condition. This procedure helps METRO locate a potential problem before it occurs. By making sure that our vehicles are in top running condition, we help maintain your safety each time you climb aboard.
METRO Police
The METRO Police Department is a fully accredited law enforcement agency with nearly 200 officers dedicated to protecting and serving the region. METRO Police patrol area streets and roadways, including METRO's HOV network, and facilities such as bus stops and shelters, Park & Ride lots and Transit Centers. Plainclothes officers ride our buses to monitor and prevent potential criminal activity. Bicycle officers watch over high-traffic areas to help keep buses and other traffic moving without delay. METRO Police also work within the various communities we serve through school presentations and community activities.
Houston TranStar
Houston TranStar is the regional transportation and emergency management center for the greater Houston area. METRO Police work closely with state and local authorities through TranStar to plan, design, operate and maintain transportation and emergency management functions throughout the region. TranStar provides up-to-date emergency information during times of crisis including road closures, alternate routes and evacuation procedures if necessary. TranStar is also home to METRO bus dispatch, and is responsible for the coordination of traffic signals, freeway management systems and accident management programs.
Crime Stoppers
METRO has formed a community partnership with Crime Stoppers to help combat crime in Houston. A METRO Police Officer is assigned full-time to the Crime Stoppers task force to help staff the phones and investigate tips leading to the arrest of groups or individuals committing crimes on METRO property.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
CPTED principles utilize landscaping, lighting and structural elements in the design and construction of METRO bus shelters, Park & Rides and Transit Centers to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity. Following the CPTED philosophy not only makes METRO facilities aesthetically pleasing, but also helps to provide a safer environment for all of our customers.
Safe Haven
If you feel threatened or you are in need of emergency assistance, METRO's Safe Haven program lets you flag down a METRO bus and the Operator will get you the help you need. Our buses are specially equipped with two-way radios that can summon Police, EMS or the Fire Department for quick response.
Motorist Assistance Program (M.A.P.)
METRO is a sponsor of the M.A.P. program, which helps stranded motorists on Houston area freeways. Operated by Harris County Sheriff's Deputies, the uniquely marked M.A.P. vans are equipped to handle minor automotive emergencies such as overheating, flat tires and jump-starts.
