Calgary City Council has approved amendments to the Transit Bylaw 4M81 that will equip transit peace officers with additional tools to manage unsafe behaviours on the transit system. The bylaw amendments, aimed at making transit safer for both riders, operators and staff are now in effect.
Changes to the Transit Bylaw include the introduction of:
– A revised definition of ‘loitering’ to empower peace officers in addressing potentially unsafe situations while ensuring that any actions taken are fair and appropriate.
– A new offence to address loitering and suspicious behaviour by individuals who have paid the fare but are not using transit for its intended purpose.
– A new offence for verbal harassment, threats and intimidation aimed at transit operators, riders and staff.
– Increased fines for harassment, threats or intimidation directed at operators, riders and staff.
– A new offence for tampering with or making fake copies of valid transit passes.
– The authority for transit peace officers to ask riders for proof of age. This amendment will prevent older riders from abusing the free fare benefit intended for those aged 12 years and under. Officers will use their discretion when dealing with minors.
– A new offence for carrying a visible weapon on the transit system.
“Ensuring a safe, reliable and welcoming transit system is a high priority for The City of Calgary. These changes will give transit peace officers the necessary tools to address social disorder and reduce incidents affecting riders and transit operators,” says Acting Chief Marcia Gonder, Transit Public Safety.
“Officers will use their discretion when applying these bylaw changes and will continue to take an ‘education first’ approach, particularly when supporting vulnerable users,” Gonder added.
The Transit Bylaw amendments are part of Calgary’s ongoing efforts to improve the safety and security of its public transit system. For more information on changes to the Transit Bylaw or Calgary’s Transit Public Safety Strategy, visit Calgary.ca/TransitSafety
