Description

This research project was performed to better understand the prevalence of mental health and behavioral distress in transit assaults and present corresponding targeted response and mitigation methods to reduce victimization trends. It includes a literature review, a data presentation and overview of reported public transit assault-related events, an examination of the contributing factors to those events, and documentation of 10 transit agency case studies. The literature review discusses some of the misconceptions of mental illness and associated stigmas and discrimination that can occur in response to these misconceptions. It discusses various approaches and strategies that transit agencies have used to prepare transit vehicle operators and other frontline workers to better recognize mental health presentations and engage appropriately. It also highlights evidence-based practices that transit agencies can use to better prepare their systems and provide tools employees can use to better communicate with individuals who may be having mental health-related episodes. The research team gathered additional data from case study sites, including the methods used to address assault-related challenges and the successful community engagement and partnerships, which are documented in this report. The report provides findings and policy and practice recommendations.

Publication Date

2-2025

Publication Type

Report

Topic

Miscellaneous, Transit and Passenger Rail

Digital Object Identifier

10.31979/mti.2024.2407

MTI Project

2407

Keywords

Public transit, transit assaults, mental health, safety

Disciplines

Peace and Conflict Studies | Transportation

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