Targeted Safety Efforts to Improve Rider Experience on Public Transit
Published on March 03, 2026
Contact: fcpsmedia@fortcollins.gov
Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) and Transfort have embarked on a partnership to improve riders’ sense of safety while using the public transit system in the city. This partnership is not due to an increase in crime, but rather a call from community members to improve the overall sense of comfort, safety and accountability for anyone using public transit to create nuisance offenses.
The agencies are specifically targeting the MAX Guideway corridor, along N. College Avenue and the E. Prospect and Mulberry corridor, in alignment with a 3-year cooperative agreement to bolster training, compile data, dedicate enforcement and assess environmental improvements that reinforce the sense of safety bus passengers feel.
“This focused partnership will help re-normalize behaviors for everyone riding the buses. We are fortunate to have free public transportation in this city, and we take great pride in promoting rules that ensure safe ridership,” said FCPS Chief of Police, Jeff Swoboda.
“Our riders tell us that feeling safe is just as important as getting where they’re going on time,” said Kaley Zeisel, Transfort Director. “Public transit works best when it’s welcoming, predictable and respectful for everyone. By working closely with FCPS, we’re reinforcing clear expectations on our system while making sure riders and operators alike feel supported.”
Serious crime on board is low, but nuisance behavior—like disorderly conduct, harassment and vandalism—on buses and at stops can lead to a sense of unease for some riders. To address this, FCPS officers will be frequently riding the buses as a clear signal that buses are public, shared environments with expectations.
Riders and area community members can expect to see an increase in FCPS officer presence from District 1 (D1), the Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (HOPE) and Mental Health Response (MHRT) teams, as well as Transit Service Officers. Riders may also notice installation of new signage on buses, at transit centers and adjacent City property, as well as additional camera security.
Most disruptive or criminal behavior on public transit is opportunistic, not premeditated. When an officer is visible, people are less likely to test boundaries because the cost of acting out feels immediate and real. Constant enforcement then becomes less of a need—the possibility of intervention deters behavior early and at a low-level before situations have the opportunity to escalate.
“Oftentimes there’s a mental health or addiction component to these behaviors,” said Chief Swoboda. “That’s why our specialty units that focus on mental health and homeless outreach are spearheading this partnership. They are best equipped to provide the training and expertise to help improve the sense of safety.”
A collective sense of safety itself discourages bad behavior. When riders feel safe, they are more likely to speak up or seek help and create a calm, orderly shared space.
For more information about Transfort’s Safety and Security measures, visit ridetransfort.com