Safety Tips
The best way to be safe on the T is to stay alert. As always, if you see something, say something.
To report an emergency, please dial 911 or call the MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1212.
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On Vehicles
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- Watch your step when getting on and off of an MBTA vehicle.
- Watch for closing doors after boarding an MBTA vehicle.
- Do not travel between vehicle cars.
- Hold on to handrails while standing or walking on a moving MBTA vehicle.
- Stand behind the yellow line between the operator and boarding door on the bus or subway.
- If you notice any suspicious activity, including abandoned bags or luggage, you can use the call boxes at either end of the car to alert an operator.
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At Stations
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- Stand behind the yellow line on the platform when waiting for a train or trolley and a safe distance from the curb when waiting for a bus.
- Do not throw trash on tracks. It can cause fires or disruption to service.
- If you drop something onto the tracks, do not attempt to retrieve it. Instead, speak with an MBTA employee or transit ambassador to get assistance.
- Report any suspicious activity in or near stations to MBTA staff or to the Transit Police with the See Say App on your Apple or Android device.
- In an emergency, follow transit ambassadors or a station official for instructions.
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On Escalators and Elevators
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- Avoid standing near the escalator entrances.
- Hold onto the handrails when on the escalator.
- Stand to the right to allow others to pass on the left.
- Always use caution, especially if you are with small children or carrying luggage.
- Strollers and wheeled mobility devices are not allowed on escalators. Please use the nearest elevator.
- If you encounter an elevator out of service, press the “Info” button on the call box to report it.
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Personal Safety
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- Valid T passes and tickets can only be purchased from MBTA staff and fare vending machines. Do not purchase passes or tickets from outside vendors.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially while wearing headphones or using your phone.
- Keep your phone, purse, and wallet close to your body, with smaller valuable items in your front pockets.
- Stay in well-lit areas near groups of people.
- Be aware of the nearest exits and emergency call boxes at stations.
- Sit close to the operator when there aren’t many people riding the T.
- If you feel another rider is harassing you, notify MBTA staff, and have them escort you to a different car at the next stop.
- If you are attacked, scream or yell to bring attention to your situation.
- Share these tips with younger riders who ride the T alone.
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On Bikes
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- Lock your bike with a hardened steel U-lock to a designated bike rack.
- Register your bike with the Transit Police. Be sure to record your bike's make, model, and serial number.
- Report any suspicious activity near bike racks to the Transit Police with the See Say App on your Apple or Android device.
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Pedestrians and Drivers
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- Never walk in busways or on tracks.
- Look both ways before crossing at marked pedestrian walkways.
- Obey all warning signs and signals.
- Never drive around a lowered gate or through a busway.
- Before driving over the tracks, make sure there's room for your car on the other side of the tracks.
