Illustration of a bus and train in a large city, with the text Tips for Safe Travels

Tips for Safe Travels

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by Clare Hettich

Public transportation can be a great solution if you can’t drive, don’t have access to a car, can’t pay for gas, or don’t have parking. Even more importantly, if you or your ride are too buzzed and need to get home, getting an Uber instead of driving or walking could save your life. But ridesharing systems also have unique dangers. The following tips can help you minimize risk.

General Tips: 

  • Tell someone where you’ll be going and when you plan to be back before using any kind of public transportation.
  • If you’re going out at night, it is best to have at least one other person with you if possible.
  • If you feel unsafe when out alone, you can set up a “virtual walk home” with a friend or family member. Share your location with them and ask them to monitor your progress on the map until you reach your destination safely. Some colleges even have official programs for this! If your phone doesn’t have a location sharing feature, you can ask someone to stay on the phone with you until you arrive. 
  • Know where you’re going and familiarize yourself with the route before you leave. That way, you’ll be aware if your ride is going off-track.
  • Don’t let your phone or other distractions make you an easy target for criminals and predators.
  • Consider carrying pepper spray and learning basic self-defense tactics. There are online videos that can help you learn how to defend yourself in case of an emergency.
  • Be aware what’s going on around you. Pay attention to any persons or events going on in all directions around you. Follow your gut instincts if a place or person doesn’t seem safe.
  • If you have a concern, take action but try not to let the person you’re suspicious of see that you feel vulnerable.

Tips for Uber (and other rideshare services): 

  • Choose drivers based on their rating. Even if a different driver could arrive faster, you’ll likely be safer with a highly-rated driver.
  • Wait for your vehicle indoors. Otherwise, someone might notice you look like you’re waiting for a ride and try to impersonate your Uber.
  • Always check the license plate before entering an Uber, and compare the driver to their picture as well. It’s not enough to rely on the timing or the car model. Your real driver will know your name and destination, so you can ask “What’s my name?” when entering the vehicle to make sure it’s the right car. 
  • Sit in the back seat of the Uber when possible to give yourself space.
  • Use the features in the Uber or Lyft apps where you can share your route and driver info with a friend. That way they know where you are and can help detect or deal with an emergency. You can also follow along on your own phone’s map to make sure the driver is taking you to your planned location.
  • Don’t share your credit card information or phone number with the driver even if you’re asked to. They don’t actually need this information because they’re paid and can communicate with you through the app. 
  • Check your safety preferences in the Uber App and review the safety tools it provides. The Uber App has a safety shield icon that will allow you to contact a trained safety agent on the phone or via text, who can advise you or call 911 for you. You can also call 911 from directly within the Uber App using the in-app Emergency Button in the Safety Toolkit. 
  • Note that while most Uber drivers are required to have a background check every year, drivers in New York City are only required to have a background check at the beginning of their career.

Tips for Trains, Metros, or Subways: 

  • Stand with your back to a wall while waiting for your train so that no one can sneak up behind you and push you or snatch something from you unexpectedly. 
  • If possible, board the conductor’s car. This way, you will be closer to an authority if any emergency situation arises. 
  • Be wary of accepting unrequested rides at the train station. Instead, actively plan how you will be leaving.

Tips for Buses: 

  • Plan your ride so that you don’t have to wait at a dark or suspicious bus stop. Downloading transportation apps can help you be aware of delays before you even leave home.
  • If you do have to wait for your bus, look for an indoor location like a store or cafe to wait in instead of lingering on the bus stop.
  • Plan for transportation costs and payment methods in advance so you don’t get stranded (and so that your money isn’t an easy target while you’re trying to figure out how to use your credit card!).
  • Preference aisle seats so you don’t get boxed in by a window in case you feel uncomfortable or an emergency occurs. Sitting near the driver might also be a good plan.
  • Keep your belongings close to you, and avoid sitting near exits since there’s where many “snatch and grabs” occur.

If you keep these tips in mind, you can minimize risk while using public transportation to get to all the amazing places you want to go!

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