Sacramento Regional Transit has launched a new app today designed to make RT’s buses and light-rail trains safer.
Alert SacRT gives riders a way to report suspicious activity to RT police officers. The app enables two-way messaging between riders and officers; riders are encouraged to upload photos and videos up to six seconds in length.
RT says the app is designed to work even when there’s poor signal strength. Messages sent in areas without connectivity will be stored and sent when there’s a signal available.
The app is part of a larger effort to improve safety on Sacramento’s public transportation lines. RT says it has invested $6 million to upgrade light-rail stations and added 25 transit agents, which has quadrupled RT police’s ability to enforce fares.
The changes come at a crucial time for RT. When the Golden 1 Center opens in early October, attendees will be encouraged to use public transportation, rather than drive and park around the downtown arena. RT says it will be adding additional trains for major events at the new arena in order to accommodate the increased traffic.
