Taking Public Transportation?
When I was 5 years old (in the early 60’s… yes, I’m that old) my dad, who was in the Army, was transferred to Germany. We went by ship (which took a week and we all got horribly seasick) and lived there for 3 years.
We came back by plane (you can probably understand why) and landed in NYC. We took a taxi to get to a destination that I can’t remember. But I can remember that the taxi driver was friendly as heck.
He had immigrated to America and was still working on his English. He proudly told us the words he had learned. I don’t remember the details very well but I do remember that one of the words he had learned was “hot dog,” which I found hilariously funny.
Back then, it never occurred to us to be wary of the driver or concerned that he might be a bad guy.
While those “good old days” weren’t perfect, taking public transportation wasn’t as dangerous or scary as it is now. Nowadays headlines abound about crimes happening to people especially to those using rideshares.
Public transportation is a very important part of many people’s lives. It’s useful when traveling in town, out of town, and town to town.
But it does have its drawbacks when it comes to your personal safety. Here are some tips to stay safe when taking public transportation.
Don’t Ride Drunk
I know it seems the responsible thing to do (so you won’t drive drunk), but it’s easy for someone to take advantage of you in that state. It’s difficult to stop advances and defend yourself from assaults if you’re under the influence.
If you have been drinking, don’t ride alone. Bring a sober friend with you. Even if you have to pay for their ride home.
Go to:
Rideshares
Taking a Taxi
Trains and Buses
Rideshares
Map the route that your driver should be taking so you can make sure you’re not being taken away from your destination.
Wait inside for your ride. Don’t go outside until the app tells you your driver is there.
Check out the rating of the driver before accepting a ride with them. If the driver is new and you don’t feel comfortable, don’t ride with them. If their rating is low, don’t ride with them.
Verify the driver before getting in. Ask for ID. Make sure that the driver’s name, photo, car description and license plate number matches the info you were given on the app.
BE SURE that the vehicle is your assigned rideshare car. Too many people have mistaken other cars as their rideshare car and actually gotten in. For some it was simply embarrassing. For others, it was deadly.
You may have heard about the South Carolina student who got into the wrong car, thinking it was her Uber ride.
Most apps allow you to notify your family or friends of specific information about the car and driver description and your destination. If your app doesn’t, then let the driver hear you call a friend or family member. Tell them the make, model and color of the vehicle you’re in, the license plate number, the driver’s name and the estimated arrival time.
Ask them who they are picking up. Don’t give them your name first. If they don’t know your name, don’t get in.
As far as sitting in the front or back seat, there are mixed opinions.
Some say sit in the back seat so you’ll have both doors available to use if necessary.
Others say sit in the front seat because child-safety locks only work on the back doors, although “statistics show” that most assaults happen in the front seat. I’ll be honest; I haven’t seen those “statistics,” even though I’ve searched. I’ve only seen them referred to.
(I did find an article that said “Back seats of rideshare cars carry more germs than toilet seats, study says” so I guess it depends on what’s more important to you.)
In any event, if you choose to sit in the back seat, check to be sure the child-safety locks aren’t on.
Pay full attention to what’s going on inside and outside the car and don’t share personal information with the driver.
Taking a Taxi
When you call for a taxi, the dispatcher will ask for your number, along with other information. You will be given the option of receiving a phone call when your taxi has arrived. Say yes to the option. Also, ask the dispatcher if they can give you the taxi cab number.
(The above is what happens in America. If you have to use a taxi in a foreign country, I suggest you do research and/or ask for help from your hotel concierge or local friend.)
Map your route before getting in the cab so you know if the driver is going the wrong way or the long way.
Don’t go outside until you receive the phone call saying the driver is there. Make sure it’s the driver/cab number that you were told was coming. Ask the driver “who are you picking up?” before saying who you are.
Look for a meter, a radio and a badge. Certified taxis have a meter for determining fees, a radio to talk to dispatch and a badge of some type. And make sure there is a working door handle on the inside of the door so you won’t get trapped inside.
Cover Trip recommends that you call for a taxi instead of hailing one. Why? According to them:
“Some independent taxi drivers work in partnership with thieves. The scam goes like this: the driver spots something valuable on your person (jewelry, a camera, a mobile device) and they text the thief with the route. Because the thief knows the taxi and the route, they only have to wait at a stoplight to open the door and snatch what’s yours.”
If You Decide to Hail a Taxi
Before you get in, compare the driver’s face with the photo on the license. If they don’t match, don’t get in.
Check for a meter, a radio and a badge and a working door handle on the inside of the door.
Keep all valuables out of sight. Whenever possible, keep your luggage with you in the back seat. If you have to get out in a hurry, you’ll be able to quickly grab your stuff.
Do not get in a taxi if there is someone in the car besides the driver.
In some cases, drivers collude with thieves to carry out a robbery or other forms of crimes on unsuspecting customers.
Taking a Train or Bus
Wait for your train or bus in a well-lit, preferably populated area.
When you get on the train or bus, avoid sitting next to an exit door. It’s easy, when the bus/train is stopped, for a thief to grab your purse, phone, packages, etc. and run off.
Use your threat awareness skills. Stay awake and alert. Don’t read or get on your phone. Pay attention to your surroundings to avoid danger.
Pay attention to who gets off at your stop.
Related Post: 6 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Predator’s Target
Trains
Sit as close as possible to the light rail operator at the front of the train. On commuter trains, sit as close as possible to where the conductor opens and closes the train doors.
Once seated, look around your area to locate the nearest emergency exits.
Buses
Sit close to the driver if possible and choose an aisle seat so you won’t be blocked in.
Locate where pull cords and emergency buttons are.
Awareness, Awareness, Awareness
Threat Awareness is extremely important when using any public transportation. Stay alert, stay awake, stay sober and stay safe.
Oh… and learn how to defend yourself. Just in case.
~Shereen
If you have other advice for taking public transportation, please put them in the comment section. I‘m always interested in new safety tips and you could be helping to save a life.🙂
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