The London Police Service (LPS) and the London Transit Commission (LTC) have joined forces to implement a new program aimed at enhancing community engagement and safety on the city’s bus network. Commencing this month, Foot Patrol officers will periodically ride London Transit buses or conduct foot patrols during their regular shifts in various areas, including downtown, midtown, and Old East Village.
Police Chief Thai Truong emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to fortify community connections and increase the approachability of officers in everyday settings. Truong highlighted, “This collaboration demonstrates our dedication to being visible, accessible, and engaged with the community we serve. By reaching out to people in commonplace environments such as our transit system, we can foster trust, cultivate relationships, and underscore that community safety is a collective responsibility.”
The primary objective, as outlined by the police, is to enhance visibility without raising public alarm while fostering positive interactions between officers and passengers. Officers will interact with passengers whenever possible, addressing inquiries and raising awareness about community safety initiatives.
Skylar Franke, London’s ward 11 councillor and LTC chair, acknowledged that safety concerns have been raised by riders in recent months, particularly regarding drug use and individuals appearing intoxicated. Franke stated, “Concerns have been expressed by residents, including females and Muslim women, who feel unsafe while traveling on transit due to the lack of oversight. Bus drivers are primarily focused on road safety, leaving some passengers feeling unprotected.”
LTC General Manager Kelly Paleczny noted that the partnership aligns with the transit agency’s existing Travel Safe program, which concentrates on enhancing the safety of both riders and employees. Paleczny expressed, “London Transit is delighted to collaborate with the London Police Service to promote safety throughout our city, including on public transit. Ensuring the safety of our passengers and staff is our utmost priority, and this joint effort will further bolster our ongoing initiatives.”
Both entities are encouraging riders to engage with officers, ask questions, and view the patrols as a welcoming presence rather than a reactive measure to specific incidents.