Safety, aTop Priority

Public transportation is among the safest ways to travel. Our focus on safety goes a long way towards protecting our employees and passengers. IndyGo buses are also part of the Indianapolis Safe Place program.

Making public transit as safe as possible depends on everyone working together—transit personnel, local authorities and the riding public. So if you're riding the bus and see something suspicious, be sure to say something to our staff or local law enforcement.

Security Cameras

All IndyGo vehicles are equipped with audio and video surveillance equipment. This valuable security measure acts as a deterrent because a potential offender might think twice about committing a crime under the watchful eye of the camera. And if something bad does happen, the wrongdoers are more likely to be identified and prosecuted.

Removal of Passengers

IndyGo supervisors or any responding Law Enforcement Agency may remove passengers for not adhering to IndyGo procedures or policies. A passenger may be removed from the bus if they are taking part in lewd or illegal activity or if their behavior is loud, boisterous or otherwise detrimental and/or disruptive to other passengers.

Law Enforcement Partnership

IndyGo partners with Marion County law enforcement and public safety agencies. This means that uniformed and undercover police officers ride IndyGo buses to ensure the safety of all passengers. Also, please note IndyGo passengers are subject to screenings by local, state and federal law enforcement.

Suspicious Activity

Suspicious activity relates to circumstances, timing and behavior NOT race, color ethnicity or gender. Familiarize yourself with the following signs of suspicious activity and report people who are:

• In an unauthorized or restricted area
• Loitering, staring or watching employees and passengers
• Pacing, nervous or jumpy
• Abandoning items and quickly departing
• Acting in a disorderly manner or disturbing others
• Photographing equipment or secure areas
• Carrying a weapon or appearing to have a weapon
• Wearing clothing that is extremely inappropriate for the weather (e.g. heavy coat on a hot day)

If you see suspicious or illegal behavior onboard an IndyGo bus or at a bus stop, please immediately report it to IndyGo personnel, or call 317.635.3344 or the law enforcement agency responsible for that jurisdiction. In case of emergency, please dial 911 for an immediate response.

Suspicious Items

Unattended items simply may be lost or left behind. Look for the following characteristics to report suspicious items to transit officials or police officers:

• Placement in an out-of-the-way location
• Attached batteries, wires, tanks, bottles or bags that might contain chemicals or explosives
• Matches something described in a threat or has a threatening note attached
• Smoke, mist, gas, vapor, odor or fluid seeping from a package or bag
• Individuals nearby showing signs of illness or distress

If you see a suspicious item on an IndyGo bus or at a bus stop, do not touch it! Please immediately report it to IndyGo personnel, or call 317.635.3344 or the law enforcement agency responsible for that jurisdiction. In case of emergency, please dial 911 for an immediate response.

Evacuation and Emergency Procedures

Transit evacuation is rare and should take place only when directed by transit officials. IndyGo professional coach operators go through extensive training before they start transporting passengers, which includes coursework on emergency and radio procedures. In case of an emergency or a situation that requires the bus to be evacuated, please remain calm and follow the directions of your coach operator. 

Some simple tips to follow should you ever need to evacuate one of our buses.

• Look for the nearest accessible exit—it may be an emergency door or window.
• Look around as you prepare to exit the transit vehicle in order to avoid hazards, such as smoke, debris and unusual substances.
• Look for others who may need help and offer assistance. Children, the elderly and disabled individuals may require help from others during an evacuation.
• Listen to announcements. Remain calm. Follow instructions from transit employees and personnel.
• Leave through the nearest exit (if evacuation is not possible through normal doors, use emergency doors or windows to exit safely).
• Leave behind large or unwieldy objects like suitcases, strollers and heavy items.

Public Safety Links and Resources

We put your safety first and you should do the same. Below are links to articles that can help keep you safe while using public transportation.

Ehow.com: How to Maintain Safety on Public Transportation
Ehow.com: How to Stay Safe on Public Transportation
About.com: 10 Safety Tips for Seniors Using Public Transit

Thanks to Transit Watch for providing some of the information on this page.  Transit Watch is a nationwide public awareness outreach campaign that encourages the active participation of transit passengers and employees in maintaining a safe transit environment.  Learn more