BART to offer safety escorts at three stations December 20

Last minute holiday shoppers can once again take advantage of BART’s police safety escorts on Friday, December 20, 2013 from 5 pm to 8 pm at three popular stations. In an effort to better protect our passengers during the hectic holiday season BART Police and Oakland Police (OPD) Department will provide safety escorts for riders parked at BART’s West Oakland and Fruitvale stations; and for the first time, San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) will join the safety escort program and will help to provide safety escorts at the BART Bay Fair Station.

Officers will also give out materials with safety travel tips to help empower passengers to better protect themselves while traveling the BART system and within their community.   

Those who want to be escorted to their car need only to look for officers in uniform or PD Cadets and Explorers, Problem Solving Officers, Police Service Technicians or volunteers wearing yellow safety vests.

The safety escorts will be available to accompany BART customers to their cars parked within a three block radius of the three stations. At West Oakland Station there will also be two designated patrol vehicles to provide rides to those who do not want to walk in the dark.

This event highlights the collaborative work between the community, BPD, OPD and SLPD, and their shared goal of keeping our communities safe. All three departments would like to remind people that the holidays can be a distracting time and it’s important to always remain alert and aware of your belongings and surroundings.