What Canada can learn from the U.S. to tackle transit violence
Global News
Experts say some U.S. cities have taken a multi-pronged approach to violence on transit, addressing issues like housing and substance abuse in parallel with security.
As Canadian cities look for ways to combat violence on public transit, experts say strategies south of the border that combine law enforcement, social supports and community engagement could offer new solutions.
Violence on transit has captured national attention in recent weeks _ a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed on a Vancouver-area bus last week, a man had life-threatening injuries after his throat was slashed on a Surrey, B.C., bus earlier this month, and a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack at a Toronto subway station in March.
Those high-profile cases were among many other instances of aggression on transit in several cities. Transit agencies and police have been working to understand what’s driving the violence, with some pointing to the pandemic as a factor.
Experts say some American cities have taken a multi-pronged approach to violence on transit, addressing issues like housing, mental health and substance abuse in parallel with security issues as they work to make subways, buses and stations safer.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which serves the city of Philadelphia and surrounding areas has drawn particular interest.
Its SCOPE program _ which stands for safety, cleaning, ownership, partnership and engagement _ connects vulnerable residents with social services and aims to keep the transit system safe and clean for those who use it. It involves police and social workers but also features partnerships with art programs and a pilot project that sees medical students help provide health resources.
“The SCOPE program in Philadelphia has been looked upon with great interest in the transit sector right now because the agencies are looking for a bit of a North Star,” said David Cooper, founder of Toronto-based transit planning firm Leading Mobility.
“The SEPTA SCOPE program is probably one of the ones where they’ve had the most number of tools deployed.”
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