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TAPP: Transit Authority Protection Program
City safety initiative designed to discreetly integrate into existing transit infrastructure
2026
Creative Director
THE PROBLEM
People often feel unsafe during their daily commute in busy cities, especially when traveling alone. While traveling, help is either unavailable, unsafe to ask for, or too complicated in urgent moments like unwanted harassment.
Chicago transit riders are “significantly unsatisfied”
with their safety and security, including experiences both on board the system and while waiting at stations or bus stops.
84%
of LA residents think the Metro trains are unsafe.
41%
of NYC residents feel unsafe walking alone in their neighborhood.
Major US cities have tried countless ways to solve this problem.
WASHINGTON, DC
Implemented an anti-harassment PSA series, trained metro employees, and launched an online reporting portal.
Louisville, KY
Launched the MensWork campaign to encourage intervention and provided bystander training for bus drivers and riders.
Boston, MA
Conducted a bystander intervention campaign and gave information cards to subway riders through police officers.
"DIFFUSION OF RESPONSIBILITY"
A social-psychological phenomenon where individuals in a group are less likely to take action in an emergency because they assume others will intervene. This is also known as the bystander effect.
Bay Area Rapid Transit
BART Bystander Intervention Cards
BART’s bystander intervention cards were developed by a youth design team as part of the “Not One More Girl” initiative to address harassment and gender-based violence on transit. These wallet-sized cards give riders a discreet way to ask for help or offer support in situations where speaking up may feel unsafe.
These were found to be impractical in stressful moments. Critics pointed out that during a sudden escalation or violent threat, passengers are unlikely to have the time or composure to dig through their wallets to find and hand over a paper card.
THE CHALLENGE
There is a need for discreet, accessible safety system in larger urban areas that will empower people to access safety support without fear of escalation.
THE SOLUTION
TAPP, or the Transit Authority Protection Program, is a city safety initiative designed to discreetly integrate into existing transit infrastructure.
HOW IT WORKS
TAPP gives people agency over their own safety by turning their phone into a discreet access point for support. When a user feels unsafe, they simply tap a nearby TAPP touchpoint embedded into transit infrastructure, from bus stop poles and benches to the underside of transit seats. The tap instantly opens the TAPP Safety Menu, allowing users to access help quickly and quietly.
WHEN IT WORKS
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Unwanted harassment
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Following and stalking
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Verbal or physical intimidation
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Feeling unsafe while waiting alone
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Reporting suspicious activity
While initially designed for transit environments, TAPP establishes a scalable safety infrastructure that connects people to support when traditional methods of seeking help aren't safe. Broader applications include:
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Home invasions or domestic safety emergencies
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Accessibility support for people with disabilities
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Nonverbal emergency communication
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Elderly individuals needing immediate assistance
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School and campus safety
Designing the Brand
THE LOGO
Inspired by the CTA System Map, the rounded letters merge into each other like transit lines.
THE RINGS
The rings resemble the universal “tap” symbol we already recognize, while also suggesting a pulse signaling a call for help sent out.
