Who are the sharp looking officers in the blue uniform walking around your neighbourhood bus loop?

These are Coast Mountain Bus Company’s one and only Transit Security officers, and they’re taking the spotlight on The Buzzer today!

Transit Security help protect our customers, employees and keep TransLink property safe. The officers patrol by foot, bicycle, bus and car throughout Metro Vancouver’s transit system. They also have a huge responsibility to act as a major support role for other departments within our transit network. Contrary to what you may expect, Transit Security officers are not the same as Transit Police.

While on the road, Transit Security respond to calls for assistance throughout the transit network. This can range from assaults on or around the transit system, looking for missing people, enforcing the Transit Tariff and crowd control during events. While common duties include random fare checks on buses, they also collect fare related data to present to other departments of TransLink regarding our services.

Looking for evidence of wire theft is a recent example of what Transit Security does during their patrols. Their work provides Transit Police the information needed to inform the public on what to do if they spot swinging wires with the video you see below.

Women in the workforce

Being one of the few female Transit Security officers, Rumali’s favourite part of the job is working with the people in the community, whether it be with an assigned partner or helping customers with their commute.

Rumali notes that while she works in a male-dominated environment, she believes that women have an advantage working in the security workforce because she can de-escalate volatile and tense situations, as disruptive individuals tend to be less confrontational with women compared to their male counterparts. This is why communication is the most essential skill for this job.

TransLink is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and that includes the work environment at CMBC’s Transit Security! We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and encourage you to consider a career with us.

Fun facts:

Sometimes a Transit Security officer may carry a limited (keyword) supply of the super-cool Transit Security car stickers during their patrol. If you politely ask for it when an officer is patrolling at a bus loop, they may grant you one!

What should you do if you feel unsafe on transit?

You can text this number with the situation: 87-77-77, call 604-515-8300 or find more information on the stickers throughout the bus that are placed on the windows and interiors.

Thinking of a career change?

Looking for a job that isn’t a 9 to 5 and grants you the freedom to work outside the office? If you want to contribute to the safety of your community, then being a Transit Security officer might just be for you! TransLink is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and that includes the work environment at with Transit Security! We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and encourage you to consider a career with us. Check our TransLink Careers Page (under Coast Mountain Bus Company) for more info.