After a series of recent violent incidents near downtown LRT platforms, Calgary Transit officials assure passengers that the service is safe.
A Calgary Transit spokesperson says that with 1,200 security cameras, 24/7 patrols by security officers at platforms and a live text line, it’s a well-monitored system.
Read more:
Calgary will close some C-Train stations overnight, connect vulnerable citizens with shelter
“We have eyes on the entire system,” said Calgary Transit communications lead Stephen Tauro.
“We watch customers as they travel, making sure it’s a safe environment and we’re in constant contact with law enforcement, CPS, EMS…just by phone call.”
Read more:
Homeless advocate upset after police kick people out of Edmonton LRT station during cold snap
Taurus says that since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increase in security-related activity, particularly at stations located in the city center.
The City of Calgary recently announced that certain LRT stations would close at 10 pm in an effort to help vulnerable Calgarians find more appropriate shelter.
On Tuesday, Mayor Jyoti Gondek said safety was also a consideration in making this decision.
“One of our biggest concerns last week was the nature of the violence…perpetuated against people in vulnerable positions.”
The mayor said there were situations where people used C-Train stations to seek shelter from the cold temperatures, and in some cases, there was “predatory behavior.”
Read more:
After weekend postponement, extreme cold warning returns for most of Alberta
In a statement to Global News, the Calgary Police Service said it is “committed to working with our partners with Calgary Transit to address public safety concerns in and around transit properties.”
The statement goes on to say that: “all Calgarians have the right to move about our city without fear of harm.”
The mayor says the city continues to focus on offering security and officer support as needed.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Reference-globalnews.ca