Transit safety team already having a positive impact

From all accounts, it was a successful first month of action for Winnipeg’s new Community Safety Team. Many could be seen on buses as they work towards making transit rides safer for both drivers and riders alike.

Team Lead, Bob Chrismas says over the past month, safety officers have attended on average between 15 and 20 incidents per day. Including three instances in which his team saved the life of an individual who was in distress.

“They came across a person who was facedown in the snow over at Portage Place, no life signs, they administered CPR, and Naloxone and brought that person back to life,” explained Chrismas.

“It feels like we are doing really great work, it feels like we are doing the right thing.”

One aspect that has come as a surprise to Chrismas has been his team’s capacity to offer free safe rides to those in need.

“In many cases we are able to deescalate a conflict and offer a safe ride to whether it’s Siloam or 180 Henry or main street projects,” said Chrismas.

Supervisor Christine Welsh, a former Winnipeg Police Officer. Says her team members have regularly received praise from both transit riders and drivers.

“Our safety officers are actually saying they are seeing riders relaxed on their phones as apposed to looking over their shoulders and being alert,” said Welsh.

Stats from the City’s transit union further illustrate the impact the team has had in their short time on the streets. With only 16 reported security incidents in the Month of February, which would be tied with the lowest total seen since 2022.