Valley Metro creates app to help light-rail riders communicate with security

PHOENIX — Valley Metro has created an app that allows light-rail riders to discreetly contact security about non-emergencies.

CEO Scott Smith told KTAR News 92.3 FM last week that the app is available for free on both Apple and Android devices.

Riders who aren’t able to download apps can still report incidents by texting 602-253-7886.

When a rider reports an incident by app or text, security personnel will be alerted by the operations center so they can track down the train and respond.

Smith said riders can use the service to report anything that is not urgent enough to warrant a 911 call.

For example, he said, riders can report an unruly drunk passenger, or any behavior making someone uncomfortable.

The Valley Metro website said riders can also report human trafficking, maintenance issues, panhandling, suspicious packages and vandalism.

“It could be something as simple as a spilled drink that’s created a mess in the car,” Smith said.

For now the app and texting service are only available on the light rail, but they could expand to the bus system.

“Right now we’re just using it on rail. We’re starting out there to see how it works and test the system on smaller scale, but we hope to be able to expand it to bus in the near future,” Smith said.

Smith said that while the light rail is already a safe way to travel through the Valley, he believes the app will help riders’ have even better experiences.

“Our goal and objective is to make everybody have a safe and comfortable ride on our light-rail system,” Smith said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report. 

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