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Sun Tran implements changes to help fight human trafficking across Tucson

Posted at 5:53 AM, Feb 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-17 11:02:41-05

TUCSON, Ariz. - Sun Tran is implementing some changes they hope help fight human trafficking across Tucson.

The changes are made possible by a grant recently awarded to Sun Tran by the Federal Transit Administration.

The more than $221,000 grant will be going toward training all Sun Tran transit operators. Sun Tran will be collaborating with Arizona Transit Association to offer the trainings.

Transit operators will be learning to identify activities related to human trafficking, as well as the best way to report to authorities.

Sun Tran will also be implementing an public awareness campaign once all of their drivers are trained.

Sun Tran officials said they plan to equip buses and shuttles with different materials that will educate the public on recognizing the activities of human traffickers.

While most of the changes will be implemented inside of buses, there will also be other changes outside.

Pat Richter, who works with Sun Tran, told KGUN9 riders will soon be seeing more security guards at the three transit centers in Tucson, thanks to the grant.

Currently there are security guards at those transit centers between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.