SacRT is rolling out a comprehensive customer survey to improve rider safety and tackle street harassment

To create a safer and more inclusive public transportation system, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is launching a comprehensive customer survey to better understand and address the safety concerns of its transit riders.

The study, developed by the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University, was mandated by California Senate Bill 1161 (2022) to collect detailed information on the prevalence, locations, and characteristics of street harassment faced by transit riders. In addition, California Senate Bill 434 (2023) requires the state’s ten largest transit agencies, including SacRT, to use this tool to specifically engage riders from underrepresented communities, whose experiences have historically been overlooked, and share their insights on the to collect transport safety.

“Understanding the passenger experience is essential to ensure that all SacRT passengers feel safe using public transportation,” said Henry Li, general manager and CEO of SacRT. “This research will help us take action where it matters most to improve the overall transit experience for everyone.”

The research will focus on various aspects of public transportation safety, such as the types and frequency of street harassment, how perceptions of safety influence passengers’ decisions to use public transportation and other related topics. The data collected will help SacRT and other transportation agencies develop strategies and implement measures to create a safer environment throughout the transportation network.

SacRT will conduct the survey in October 2024, with outreach at stations, on buses and light rail trains and via an online survey platform. All transit riders are encouraged to participate.

As an incentive, riders who complete the survey will receive a $10 credit applied to their Connect Card or ZipPass account.