Albany, New York, Launches First Transit Ambassador Program.
| The Capital District Transportation Authority announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind team in the region last month. The team, designed to ease strain on law enforcement resources, provides a highly visible layer of safety experts, who are already present “on select routes and will rotate throughout [the] route network… an approachable, visible resource focused on assistance and engagement.” The trained ambassadors “serve as a visible and positive presence on our buses… helping customers navigate the system, supporting our operators, and … serve as a connection to community resources … ensuring our riders and employees feel supported every day.” |
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| Kansas City Announces Expansion Of Transit Ambassador Team, Increasing Staff By More Than 300 Percent. For KCUR, Jodi Fortino reports on the city’s massive expansion of the transit ambassador team, as part of an $80 million overhaul of the city’s public safety infrastructure in anticipation of the World Cup arriving this Summer. The team, which the city is hoping to expand by 50-60 ambassadors, outfitted in highly-visible blue uniforms and vests, are a “welcoming, knowledgeable and calming” presence “across the transit network… [as they] assist passengers… de-escalate tense situations, and… [are trained in] “CPR and Narcan administration.” Staff Terri Barr-Moore, chief of staff for the city’s transit system where the ambassadors are housed, explained the team’s expansion simply: “They provide … [and] enhance… safety and security…” |
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