Safety Information

Keeping Our Transit System Safe and Secure

Safety and security has always been a top priority for King County Metro and Sound Transit -- for our riders, employees, equipment, facilities, and services. Thank you for being our partner in safety, and helping to keep our transit system safe.

Refer to "Driven by Safety" for an overview of how Metro works to keep you safe and secure on the bus and in our facilities.

Be aware of:

• Suspicious or unusual activity on buses and at bus stops
• Unattended bags, packages, boxes, backpacks, etc.
• Smoke or odd smells

What you should do:

• If you see someone leave a package, politely bring it to their attention
• If you see an unattended package, stay away from it, and tell your driver immediately
• If you see someone acting suspiciously, or witness anything unusual, tell your driver

In case of an emergency, listen to and follow your bus driver's instructions.

• Do not block the doors
• Emergency exit procedures are posted on windows, ceiling escape hatches and doors

If you witness an emergency and have a phone, call 9-1-1

Be prepared to give the route number and direction the bus was traveling. The "coach number" also helps identify the bus. Inside the bus, the coach number appears in the right front corner, opposite the driver. Outside, it appears on the outer bus corners. It is a three or four-digit number

Downtown transit tunnel safety features

The downtown transit tunnel is equipped with evacuation exits throughout the tunnel. Familiarize yourself with these exits when using the tunnel. Your closest exit may be behind you. There is a red emergency phone located at each bus bay, and on the mezzanine level of each station. Each elevator is also equipped with an emergency call button.

Safety is always a priority

Metro Transit police officers in uniform and in plain clothes routinely patrol our buses and facilities and the downtown transit tunnel. Other transit employees are constantly monitoring all segments of our system. Response plans are in place, and transit employees are thoroughly trained to respond to a variety of emergency situations.

Occasionally, bus service may be delayed or rerouted due to an emergency or other problem.

For the latest information, and how to reach Metro:

• Metro Online: Visit for daily updates.
• Rider Information: 206-553-3000; Toll-free: 1-800-542-7876; TTY: 206-684-1739
• Customer Service: 206-553-3060 TTY: 206-684-2029
• Lost and Found: 206-553-3090

Also listen to radio and TV announcements, and look for Rider Alerts posted at bus stops.

How to reach Sound Transit:

• Sount Transit web site
• Rider information: 888-889-6368; TTY: 888-713-6030

For regional transit alerts subscribe to the Regional Public Information Network

Download Get Ready Now [.PDF 254 kb; 6 pages], an emergency planning guide with check lists. Brought to you by the U. S. Deptartment of Homeland Security, www.ready.gov

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