- 408-924-7560
- mineta-institute@sjsu.edu
- Donate
Understanding the Prevalence of Mental Health and Behavioral Distress in Transit Assaults and Presenting Targeted Response and Mitigation Methods to Reduce Victimization Trends
This research project was performed to better understand the prevalence of mental health and behavioral distress in transit assaults and present corresponding targeted response and mitigation methods to reduce victimization trends. It includes a literature review, a data presentation and overview of reported public transit assault-related events, an examination of the contributing factors to those events, and documentation of 10 transit agency case studies. The literature review discusses some of the misconceptions of mental illness and associated stigmas and discrimination that can occur in response to these misconceptions. It discusses various approaches and strategies that transit agencies have used to prepare transit vehicle operators and other frontline workers to better recognize mental health presentations and engage appropriately. It also highlights evidence-based practices that transit agencies can use to better prepare their systems and provide tools employees can use to better communicate with individuals who may be having mental health-related episodes. The research team gathered additional data from case study sites, including the methods used to address assault-related challenges and the successful community engagement and partnerships, which are documented in this report. The report provides findings and policy and practice recommendations.
Principal Investigator:
Lisa Staes
PI Contact Information:
University of South Florida, Center for Urban Transportation Research
Total Project Cost:
$150,000 ($100,000 Federal and $50,000 Non-Federal)
Agency ID or Contract Number:
69A3552348328
Dates:
June 2023 to February 2025
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has established strategic goals and objectives, which include safety, economic strength and global competitiveness, equity, climate and sustainability, transformation, and organizational excellence, that drive its “transformational investments,” USDOT’s safety goal: “Make our transportation system safer for all people. Advance a future without transportation-related serious injuries and fatalities.” Three of the five strategic objectives established to achieve this goal – safe public, safe workers, and safe system, are the focus of this research proposal.
This research will also further the body of knowledge and address USDOT’s research priority areas by promoting the safety of transportation workers and vulnerable system users. In addition, a projected outcome of this research is the acceptance of public transportation as a viable and safe mobility option for individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds, race, gender, age, and other characteristics. This will in turn will lead to improved and expanded mobility for those living in our communities and potentially reduced dependency on privately owned vehicles, in accordance with U.S. and MCEEST’s climate and sustainability goals.
Research outputs include a synthesis of best practice reports, technology transfer offerings in the form of the aforementioned report, presentations, social media/web postings, and other industry engagement.
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
- Increased industry awareness of successful practices.
- Increased industry awareness of mental health presentations and how to effectively respond to those presentations.
- Reduced assault-related events and corresponding injuries and fatalities.
- Improved, safe, and equitable public transit services for everyone.
- Improved community perceptions of transit as a safe mobility alternative.
- Increased utilization of public transit due to the reduction of negative safety/personal security perspectives.
Project Number:
2407
-
Contact Us
SJSU Research Foundation 210 N. 4th Street, 4th Floor, San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-924-7560 Email: mineta-institute@sjsu.edu
