Iyai+ 2025 “Critical Conversation Webinars”: Transit Safety & Innovation Survey

GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS & VOICE MATTER! The number of assault-related injuries on public transit in the U.S. have dramatically increased in less than a decade – including an increase of 152% in physical assaults on transit workers.

Our 2025 Critical Conversation Webinars focus on advancements in Transit Safety and Innovation for employees, customers, and the general public. YOUR voice, greater general awareness, and public support are key to accelerate the actions, innovation, and investments needed to implement best practices in transit safety and security –that enhance the overall customer experience.

Help make a difference by becoming part of a community dedicated to achieving positive change. Please complete and share this Survey with your family, friends, and networks.

Thank you!

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* 1. Before this survey/webinar, were you aware of the alarming national increase in public transit worker assaults (buses, subways, commuter rail)?

Yes

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* 2. If “Yes,” how did you know about the increased public transit assaults?

National Congressional Action/Federal Department of Transportation Action(s)

Transportation Professional/Trade Associations

Local News (TV, radio, publications, social media)

National News (TV, radio, publications, social media)

Local Public Education & Information Materials

Local Transit System Safety Reports/Dashboards

Local Transit System Policies (e.g., enforcement messaging)

Transit Vehicle Safety Features (e.g., barriers, lighting, cameras)

Increased Law Enforcement/“Ambassador” presence

Other (please specify)

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* 3. How often do you use public transit?

Frequently

Sometimes

Not Frequently

Rarely or Not At All

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* 4. Are you a public transit employee, retiree, or generally knowledgeable about public transit operations?

Yes

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* 5. Do you feel that “SAFETY First” is the most important requirement for any public transit system – regardless of size or community?

Yes

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* 6. If No, what do you feel is most important?

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* 7. Do you support increased public transit investment at the national and local levels to support BOTH capital and operating investments (i.e., vehicle upgrades, cameras, and lighting) and “operating” investments to support greater “in-person” coverage and visibility, training, more cleaning? Select the answer that best describes your position

Yes – both increased capital and operating investments

No – increased capital investments only

No – increased operating investments only

No increased capital or operating investment

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* 8. Do you feel there should be “minimum” safety standards required for public transit vehicles?

Yes

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* 9. What do you feel are the most important public transit Bus Operator safety measures? Please select the top 5 in order of priority – starting with #1 as most important.

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* 10. Do you feel that “SAFETY First” should also include better positive air flow to mitigate exposure to airborne pathogens?

Yes

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* 11. What makes you feel most unsafe or uneasy about using public transit?

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* 12. In your opinion, what kind of anti-violence message would actually work?

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* 13. What would most improve your overall experience as a rider — or encourage you to try public transit if you don’t currently use it?

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* 14. Nationally, public transit has major challenges attracting and retaining Bus Operators. In order of priority (with #1 being most important), please rank the top 5 issues that you feel most contribute to this Bus Operator Attraction and Retention challenge.

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* 15. Please share your ideas on how to address the Bus Operator attraction and retention challenges. \[Comment Box]

Again, thank you for your participation. Please contact us at assistant@iyai.org if you would like to be on our mailing list.