Figure: Survey of mobile phone use for security purposes in Melbourne, Australia, 2006 [1]
Intervention – Infrastructure
Reliable Connectivity to Mobile Phone-Based Security Platforms
General Overview
Type of stakeholder
EICS Framework
Region of Reference
Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe
North-America
South-America
World
Description
This intervention refers to ensuring reliable connectivity to phone-based security platforms and digital safety auditing tools, either via free-to-access Wi-Fi connectivity at public transport terminals or via remote connectivity through mobile telecommunication services.
Mobile phone-based security platforms, such as the ‘Red Panic Button’ application, allow users to push the button on their phones whenever they feel unsafe or are in danger, and their emergency contacts and law enforcement will be alerted to their location. However, these platforms need access to the internet to work, which is why reliable connectivity is so important.
Facts/Illustrations/Case studies
Figure: Survey of the various uses of mobile phones at train stations in Melbourne, Australia, 20061 As mobility changes the way people behave in public places, mobile phones are being interwoven into the suburban and urban landscapes. Both the use of public transport and mobile telecommunications are integral for daily life and self-presentation. [1]
Types of Impact
Area Impacted
- To/from the stop/station/rank✓
- Waiting for train/bus/paratransit✓
- In the vehicle✓
- At interchanges✓
All areas could potentially be impacted by this intervention.
Time of Day of Impact
- Day-time travel✓
- Night-time travel✓
- Peak-time travel✓
- Off peak-time travel✓
All travel time categories could be positively impacted by this intervention.
Mode Impacted
- Bus✓
- Train✓
- Rideshare✓
- 4 wheelers informal✓
- 3 wheelers informal✓
- 2 wheelers informal✓
- Cycling✓
- Walking✓
All modes could potentially be impacted by this intervention.
Demographic Impacted
- Girls✓
- Boys✓
- Adult Women✓
- Men✓
- Elderly Women✓
- LGBTQI+✓
All public transport users will be positively impacted by this intervention.
Resources
SWOT Analysis
Quick to be implemented
Perceived to be effective
Relatively low skills required
Scalable to suit budget and need for the resource
As soon as implementation stops, the benefits stop
Crime reduction
Greater connectivity
Improve safety at public transport stations and inside mode of transport.
Reliance on network provider/public transport infrastructure
Effectiveness
Limited literature sources are available to confidently indicate this to be an effective measure in improving public safety.
- Perception by (female) passengers
- Perception by governing bodies
- Level of confidence in these ratings
Implementation
Implementation of this intervention can happen quickly and be ramped up over time, depending on the available funds or demand. The benefits ensue immediately upon implementation, once maintenance and associated services cease, the corresponding benefits are foregone.
Implementation timeframe
- 0-1 year✓
- 1-3 years✓
- >3 years✕
Timeframe to realise benefits
- 0-1 year✓
- 1-3 years✓
- >3 years✕
Scale of Implementation
This intervention can be implemented at a national level.
National
Regional
City
Station or
Suburb
Suburb
Ease of Implementation
This intervention is easy to implement, as it utilises existing skills, services and infrastructure.
List of References