PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – TriMet is installing new blue light phones across MAX stations in an effort to deter crime and ease commuter’s safety concerns, the agency announced Friday.
The phones will give riders a direct line of communication with TriMet’s 24/7 security staff to report suspicious behavior, vandalism, graffiti, or any other assistance needed.
TriMet installed the first phones at the Rose Quarter Transit Center and the Convention Center Station with plans to install more at stations along Interstate 84, around the Rose Quarter, and at the Gateway Transit Center. TriMet’s long-term goal is to have the phones at most MAX stops and transit systems.
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The phones are mounted on red towers with the word “Security” on the side and are marked with a blue light on top. TriMet explained the lights serve a dual purpose: they signal the location of the phones for those who need them, and they act as a crime deterrent.
The phones are also equipped with cameras to show the security team more views of the stations and show the person calling. The cameras will add to the more than 8,000 cameras already in the TriMet system and can be monitored in real-time.