MATA has recently partnered with Youth Village for Project Safe Place, in an effort to help youth who are “at risk” or in a crisis situation. As a community partner with the Project Safe Place program, MATA will turn fixed-route buses into mobile safe havens for teenagers facing dangerous or threatening situations - offering emergency assistance to teenagers 13 to 17 years of age who approach in need of help.
Transit centers will also serve as Safe Place locations including the North End Terminal, the American Way Transit Center, and the Airways Transit Center. All MATA buses and transit centers prominently display the yellow and black Safe Place logo.
Safe Place is a national youth outreach program that educates thousands of young people every year about the dangers of running away or trying to resolve difficult, threatening situations on their own. This easily-replicated initiative involves the whole community to provide safe havens and resources for youth in crisis.