Operation PAL

Grand River Transit is a member of Operation PAL, an internationally recognized crime- prevention program based in Ontario.

Operation PAL has been described as a Neighborhood Watch or Block Parent on wheels. Members are an extra set of eyes and ears to help keep communities safe from crime.

As they do their regular jobs, members of Operation PAL remain alert to unusual activities and report them via their vehicle's two-way radio to their dispatcher.

The dispatcher in turn contacts the appropriate authorities (the child's parent, the police, the fire department or paramedics) to get them on the scene as quickly as is necessary.

You can recognize Operation PAL members by the blue, white and black logo of two hands shaking is displayed on the sides of their vehicles. The logo symbolizes the partnership between PAL members and emergency services. Each GRT bus features this logo.

Waterloo Region students are taught in school or at the Waterloo Regional Police Children's Safety Village to recognize the Operation PAL logo. They are told how to find a member vehicle if they need assistance.

GRT operators have been instructed to assess the situation, radio for appropriate assistance and offer immediate help if necessary.