Safety Tips

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Passenger Safety Tips

Passenger Safety

BJCTA wants every passenger's ride to be a pleasant one. However our first priority is the safety of our riders. Being a well informed rider can greatly reduce the risk of injury to yourself or other passengers while riding the bus. Pass this information on to family members and friends who use the bus. We want all of our riders to know how to use the BJCTA transit sytem-SAFELY.

If Help Is Needed

All BJCTA buses are equipped with two-way radios. If an emergency occurs that requires the Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Services, your driver can call for help immediately.

If you or another passenger see any action or incident that could jeopardize the health of someone, it is important that you notify your driver immediately. Your actions could prevent injury to someone and prevent damages to BJCTA buses or property.

General Safety

Recreational equipment such as skateboards, roller skates or roller blades are not allowed on BJCTA property or buses.

  1. Beware of pickpockets that may be near you if you become jostled in a crowd.
  2. Hold your purse tightly, close to your body.
  3. Always keep your wallet in a front pocket or inside coat pocket, or in a buttoned hip pocket.
  4. Only 1 to 2 grocery bags are allowed on buses and must not take up a seat or block the aisle.
  5. If you are carrying a buggy, it must be folded upon boarding and not block the aisle.
  6. If you are traveling with children it is important that they are well supervised.
  7. To prevent separation from children, be sure to board together.
  8. Strollers should be folded upon boarding.
  9. When exiting the bus, always leave with children in front of you, never behind you.

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About Personal Security

In addition to safety, personal security of riders is important to BJCTA customers. Though no plan will guarantee 100% results, the following is a course of action that when practiced, can add to your personal safety.

  1. When using public transportation, know the route. If traveling late at night, have someone meet you at the bus stop to accompany you when walking home.
  2. When waiting for a bus, wait near other people. On the bus, sit close to the driver. When riding BJCTA, sit with a crowd. Don't isolate yourself. There is safety in numbers.
  3. Plan your trips to avoid waiting unnecessarily at bus stops. Call BJCTA's Customer Service Call Center for Information at 205-521-0101 for transit schedules.
  4. When walking to a bus stop, walk with confidence and be alert to your surroundings.
  5. Be aware of places you can get help on your route, like open stores, restaurants and public telephones.
  6. Avoid taking short cuts or waiting in unlit areas.
  7. 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.
  8. Avoid displaying money or jewelry in public places. Have your fare ready when boarding a bus or buying a BJCTA ticket.
  9. Watch your handbag and packages. Do not leave them unattended. Put your purse, packages, etc. in your lap. Keep your handbag close to you.
  10. Visually scan your surroundings. If something looks suspicious, contact security or the police.

Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority wants you to be a safe, well-informed customer and pedestrian. Safety awareness can prevent accidents.

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