OC Transpo says its buses are safer after initiating a program that upgraded its security guards to special police constables in March 2007.
"People really are concerned about feeling safe and secure on the system it's what people tell us is very important," said Alain Mercier, director of Ottawa transit services.
The special constable program was put in place following the murder of 23-year-old Michael Oatway who was stabbed while riding an OC Transpo bus in September 2006.
City officials say the program has reduced crime on Ottawa's transit system by 32 per cent.
Ottawa city councillor Jan Harder says bus safety is such a concern that some residents avoid taking the bus at night.
"A lot of people are uncomfortable being on the buses and people tell me they wouldn't be caught dead on a bus after 10 o'clock at night," Harder told CTV Ottawa.
Opinions about safety on OC Transpo buses, however, appear to be mixed amongst those who ride the bus on a regular basis.
"I always feel safe on OC Transpo," one female bus rider told CTV Ottawa.
"There were certain stations I would not get off at. I heard that Lincoln Fields was one that I should not get off at, at night," another female passenger said.
OC Transpo says it plans to add another six special constables to its security team. It is also working to create safety zones in transit stations -- areas where passengers will know they can be seen by surveillance cameras.
"We do have a lot of more work to do," said Harder. "The new special constables is a good start."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Natalie Pierosara
