APTA & 911 Cell Phone Bank: Strengthening Safety Through Sustainability

Every day, thousands of people ride public transportation, sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers. Among them may be someone living a nightmare, a victim of human trafficking or domestic violence. These stories are not distant or abstract; they are today’s reality and could happen to anyone.

Public transit doesn’t just move people from place to place; it also connects communities and carries an important responsibility for public safety and social impact. APTA recognizes this responsibility and, through its Sustainability Commitment, encourages agencies not only to reduce environmental impact but also to strengthen the wellbeing of the people they serve.

One way many APTA members are fulfilling this commitment is through their partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank (911CPB). Instead of letting unclaimed devices from transit lost and found departments become harmful e-waste or fall into the wrong hands, members donate them to the 911CPB. There, a specialized technology team performs complete data erasure in accordance with national standards before the phones are distributed to partnering law enforcement agencies and advocacy programs in the fight against human trafficking and domestic violence.

If your organization is not already partnered with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, you are invited to join this effort. The partnership not only eliminates liability concerns but also transforms overlooked devices into literal lifelines for individuals in crisis. Together, through APTA’s vision and the 911 Cell Phone Bank’s mission, we can turn forgotten electronics into beacons of security for those who need them most.

Learn more about APTA’s Sustainability initiatives. For additional information about the 911 Cell Phone Bank, visit www.911cellphonebank.org or call 1-866-290-7864.