What is Transit Watch?  Transit Watch is a nationwide safety and security awareness campaign designed to encourage the active participation of transit passengers and employees in working together to maintain a safe transit environment.  The campaign provides information and instructions to transit passengers and employees so that they know what to do and whom to contact in the event of an emergency in a transit setting.  Transit Watch invites riders and employees to be the "eyes and ears" of their local transit system.

In response to the need for increased attention to safety and security in today's post-911 environment, the Lawton Area Transit System is pleased to participate in the nationwide efforts to ensure the safety and security of the City of Lawton's public transit system.

The Transit Watch program was developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in partnership with the American Public Transit Association (APTA), the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), the Amalgamate Transit Union (ATU), and The Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

What should I do to support transit safety and security?

• Stay observant
• Take the initiative to become part of the transit community's eyes and ears
• Contact LATS & the Lawton Police Department if something doesn't look right
• Look out for one another

What should I do if I see something suspicious?

• Tell your LATS Bus Operator
• Call LATS @ (580) 248-5252, ext. #2
• Call The Lawton Police Department @ (580) 581-3500 or DIAL 911

Be Informed and have a transit plan of action:

• Follow LATS instructions in a speedy but orderly fashion
• Do not block bus doors from closing
• Assist fellow passengers

Be on the alert for suspicious...

Packages:

• Placement in an out-of-the-way location
• Individuals in the act of abandoning the package and hastily departing the area
• Unusual attached batteries, wires, tanks, bottles or bags that might contain chemicals
• An attached message
• Nearby individuals showing signs of illness or distress
• Suspicious cloud, gas, odor, mist, vapor or fluid

Behavior:

• Visible signs of nervousness
• Excessive sweating
• Sprayer bottles or aerosol canisters
• Inappropriate clothing that is excessively baggy or too heavy in warm weather

Chances are, it's nothing... But why leave our safety up to chance?

Let's count on each other for a safe ride