MARTA Introduces Public Safety App for Suspicious Activity

MARTA has launched a free smartphone application that gives customers the ability to send texts and photos to the transit system’s police department regarding suspicious activity. 

MARTA leaders say the "See & Say" app is "easy to use" and can be downloaded from the iTunes Store or the Android Market.

"This new app is the latest example of how we will use technology intelligently to transform the way we do business," said Keith T. Parker, MARTA’s GM/CEO, in a statement. "While MARTA is a safe transit system, we expect that the See & Say App will also help customers feel safer by giving them a convenient tool for communicating directly with our police department."

According to the transit system, the software is part of MARTA’s ongoing "See Something, Say Something" campaign, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s, Transit Security Grant Program.

The app is designed for environments with limited cell service – including transit systems such as MARTA – with underground tunnels where cell service is not available, say developers. If a customer loses cellular service while using the app, the text or photo will be sent to police dispatchers immediately once a signal has been re-established. 

Here is some of what MARTA leaders say the See & Say app offers:

• Giving customers the option of sending reports anonymously and temporarily disabling the smartphone camera’s flash so pictures can be taken discreetly
• Providing two-way communication that enables customers to receive and comment on alerts from MARTA Police, and for police to request more details about an incident from customers in return
• Alerting customers when there is a delay in transit service or other issues

The See & Say app is not intended to replace 911 emergency calls. However it provides another layer of security for MARTA customers that includes the ongoing installation of video surveillance cameras on all buses, trains and Mobility (paratransit) vehicles.

To find the app, search for the keywords "MARTA See and Say" in the iTunes Store or the Android Market.