At Transdev, each one of us has the power to make a significant impact. By staying vigilant and informed, you are more than a mobility professional—you are a guardian of our community.
January is recognized as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It serves as a reminder that your awareness and actions can be the difference between safety and danger for someone in need.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is when people are forced to perform work or do things against their will. Sadly, it happens in many places and may be happening in front of us without even recognizing it. But, for mobility professionals like us, we can help put an end to human trafficking.
Know the Signs of Human Trafficking
Human traffickers count on people not paying attention and not knowing the signs to look for or the questions to ask. Transit operators offer an extra set of ears and eyes in the communities we serve. By paying attention to our passengers, we can help someone in danger. Always be alert and look for the signs of someone in danger of human trafficking:
- They look scared or nervous
- They are not allowed to talk or make eye contact
- They seem to be controlled by someone else
- They do not know where they are going or are confused about their current location
- They may have bruises or other signs of physical abuse
Ways You Can Help
If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of human trafficking, be sure to:
- Stay Calm– do not approach the person or the suspected trafficker.
- Write It Down– write down the time, location, and a description of the people involved.
- Call For Help– contact your supervisor, local authorities, and call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Transdev is committed to joining the fight against Human Trafficking. The best way to help is to recognize signs of human trafficking and stay alert. This is a good time to ensure you’ve completed our Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Campaign training that’s available on LEARN (https://www.transdevelearning.net)
Important Numbers to Use
If you suspect that one of your riders or other members of the community you serve are victims of Human Trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report Human Trafficking to Federal Law enforcement by calling 1-866-347-2423. Together, we can make a real difference.
By remaining alert and knowing the signs of human trafficking, you can help save someone’s life. Together, we can make our communities safer and help put a stop to human trafficking.