MOCK

PRESS RELEASE

STA Addresses Pedestrian Accident & Announces New Training & Safety Plan

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Transit Authority (STA) president, Eileen Smith,
announced the STA would pursue a new approach toward pedestrian and passenger
safety and driver preparedness in response to this morning’s fatal accident
involving a STA bus and local pedestrian. At 08:16 this morning, a STA bus,
departing from the Main Street stop, struck a pedestrian standing in a designated
traffic lane. The pedestrian was taken to Central Hospital, where she later died from
her injuries.

“The STA is deeply saddened by this terrible event and tragic loss of life. We send
our deepest sympathies to the family and to those affected by the accident. The STA
is taking this accident very seriously and pledges to rectify any deficiencies in safety
protocol and precautions,” Smith said. Transit Authority officials are cooperating
with law enforcement and will be forthcoming with any and all information that
becomes available as a result of the investigation.

STA officials and employees across Springfield are committed to reestablishing and
improving the city’s transportation network to new levels of superior service and
safety. The STA continually seeks new and innovative means to improve rider
experience and overall service. In light of today’s tragic event, the STA announces
plans to strengthen and expand the driver and operator training program. “As
Springfield grows and evolves, it only makes sense for our network to grow and
evolve in every possible way to ensure riders are provided with exceptional service
and safety standards,” Smith said. “We want to make sure we fully examine where
we have been unsuccessful in the past, where negligence may have crept in, and
where new methods of training are most needed,” added Smith.

In addition to the upgraded training program, the STA is developing a new public
awareness campaign to educate and inform pedestrians and passengers on what to
do in transit environments and how to better ensure personal safety. The “Aware
Rider / Safe Rider” campaign will include a media and advertising promotion to
reach as many passengers as possible. The safety campaign will officially launch
later this summer.

Going forward, the STA is committed to pedestrian and passenger safety. Riders and
citizens are encouraged to call the STA safety line at (555) 555-2222 or email
safetyconcerns@sta.com with concerns or potential hazards. Additionally, for the
most current notices and advisories, passengers can stay connected through the
STA’s official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles. For more
information about official accident details, contact the Springfield Transit Authority
public affairs office at publicaffairs@sta.com or (555) 555-5555.

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