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Stay Safe on the T

The best way to be safe on the T is to stay alert. As always, if you see something, say something.

To report an emergency, please dial 911 or call the MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1212.

On Vehicles

    • Watch your step when getting on and off of an MBTA vehicle.
    • Watch for closing doors after boarding an MBTA vehicle.
    • Do not travel between vehicle cars.
    • Hold on to handrails while standing or walking on a moving MBTA vehicle.
    • Stand behind the yellow line between the operator and boarding door on the bus or subway.
    • If you notice any suspicious activity, including abandoned bags or luggage, you can use the call boxes at either end of the car to alert an operator.

    At Stations

    • Stand behind the yellow line on the platform when waiting for a train or trolley and a safe distance from the curb when waiting for a bus.
    • Do not throw trash on tracks. It can cause fires or disruption to service.
    • If you drop something onto the tracks, do not attempt to retrieve it. Instead, speak with an MBTA employee or transit ambassador to get assistance.
    • Report any suspicious activity in or near stations to MBTA staff or to the Transit Police with the See Say App on your Apple or Android device.
    • In an emergency, follow transit ambassadors or a station official for instructions.

    On Escalators and Elevators

    • Avoid standing near the escalator entrances.
    • Hold onto the handrails when on the escalator.
    • Stand to the right to allow others to pass on the left.
    • Always use caution, especially if you are with small children or carrying luggage.
    • Strollers and wheeled mobility devices are not allowed on escalators. Please use the nearest elevator.
    • If you encounter an elevator out of service, press the “Info” button on the call box to report it.

    Personal Safety

    • Valid T passes and tickets can only be purchased from MBTA staff and fare vending machines. Do not purchase passes or tickets from outside vendors.
    • Be aware of your surroundings, especially while wearing headphones or using your phone.
    • Keep your phone, purse, and wallet close to your body, with smaller valuable items in your front pockets.
    • Stay in well-lit areas near groups of people.
    • Be aware of the nearest exits and emergency call boxes at stations.
    • Sit close to the operator when there aren’t many people riding the T.
    • If you feel another rider is harassing you, notify MBTA staff, and have them escort you to a different car at the next stop.
    • If you are attacked, scream or yell to bring attention to your situation.
    • Share these tips with younger riders who ride the T alone.

    On Bikes

    • Lock your bike with a hardened steel U-lock to a designated bike rack.
    • Register your bike with the Transit Police. Be sure to record your bike's make, model, and serial number.
    • Report any suspicious activity near bike racks to the Transit Police with the See Say App on your Apple or Android device.

    Pedestrians and Drivers

    • Never walk in busways or on tracks.
    • Look both ways before crossing at marked pedestrian walkways.
    • Obey all warning signs and signals.
    • Never drive around a lowered gate or through a busway. 
    • Before driving over the tracks, make sure there's room for your car on the other side of the tracks.

    Rider Rules and Regulations

    Learn more about rules when riding the T

    Emergency Instructions

    Learn more about what to do in an emergency

    Commuter Rail Safety

    Learn more about Commuter Rail safety

    Rider Rules and Regulations

    Learn more about rules when riding the T

    Emergency Instructions

    Learn more about what to do in an emergency

    Commuter Rail Safety

    Learn more about Commuter Rail safety