OnDuty app aims to fight sex assaults on transit

Those who rely on the transit system in Metro Vancouver will soon have another tool to ensure a safe ride the OnDutysmartphoneapp.

The app, which is part of a global project tackling sexual assault on transit, allows people on transit and trains to communicate directly with police if they feel threatened.

• Sexual harassment on the rise on transit, say police

The Global Guardian project, including the app, was announced onMondayin Metro Vancouver and other major cities including Washington, D.C.,Boston and London, UK.

The app is currently in beta testing and will be released in around a month's time. In the meantime, concerned riders can text Transit Policeat 87-77-77 to report offences orharassment.

As the CBC's Belle Puri reports, Transit Police are hoping people will use the free app to report anything suspicious. Watch the video above to see Belle'sreport.