Human Trafficking Awareness

In January 2020, Greenlink received a grant from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Initiative, which provided funding for projects to help prevent human trafficking and other crimes on public transportation. Greenlink used its grant to conduct an 18-month education and awareness campaign that included the following three phases:

PHASE 1: September 2020 – November 2020

Public Survey

Greenlink launched Phase 1 with a survey to help determine the public’s existing knowledge and perception of human trafficking in Greenville County. The survey was conducted onboard Greenlink buses and online from September 14 to October 11, 2020. A copy of the survey questions and the correct answers can be downloaded as a PDF.

Open House Events

Greenlink hosted two drop-in style open house events to discuss the purpose of the project and the proposed timeline, and share the results of the survey. Attendees had the opportunity to provide feedback on messaging that were installed inside Greenlink buses to help raise awareness about human trafficking in our community. 

Open House #1
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Greenlink Transit Center - Bus Terminal
100 W McBee Avenue

Open House #2
Thursday, November 12, 2020
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Greenlink Transit Center - Bus Terminal
100 W McBee Avenue

Couldn't attend in person? A video recording covering the material is posted below. The public also could submit ideas and feedback for the campaign via an online form that was open November 9 - 20, 2020.

PHASE 2: December 2020 – November 2021 

Greenlink Employee Training

Greenlink’s community partners SWITCH, Jasmine Road, Bon Secours Health System and the Greenville County Sherriff’s Office conducted three training sessions on human trafficking for Greenlink bus drivers, supervisors and dispatchers. 

Training Session #1
December 2020

Training Session #2
June 2021

Training Session #3
October 2021

Greenlink Customer Training

Greenlink’s community partners SWITCH, Jasmine Road, Bon Secours Health System and the Greenville County Sherriff’s Office also conducted three small-group training sessions on human trafficking for Greenlink customers and the general public. 

Training Session #1
Friday, December 11, 2020
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Greenlink Transit Center
100 W McBee Avenue

Weren't able to attend? This training was also offered virtually. You may watch a recording of this training here. The video is password protected; enter this password when prompted: Wckxspp7.

Training Session #2
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Virtual

Weren't able to attend? Download a brochure about Jasmine Road or learn more about Jasmine Road’s Coercion Through “Choice” curriculum program to request your own training.

Training Session #3
Thursday, November 4, 2021
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Virtual 

Weren't able to attend? You may watch a recording of this training here. The video is password protected; enter this password when prompted: cBzFHQ7j. You can also download a PDF with the contact information for the guest speakers and additional resources.

The training sessions were designed to educate Greenlink employees and customers on the warning signs of human trafficking and the resources that are available for the public.

Public Safety Roundtables

In addition to raising awareness about human trafficking, Greenlink and local law enforcement agencies also took this opportunity to host two events where Greenlink customers could discuss any other crime and safety concerns they may have. 

Listening Session #1
Friday, February 5, 2021
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
On-Board Greenlink Bus Routes
502: White Horse
504: Anderson
507: Augusta 

A recap of customers' feedback received on February 5, 2021, is provided below:

Listening Session #2
Thursday, September 30, 2021
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
On-Board Greenlink Bus Routes
502: White Horse
504: Anderson
507: Augusta 

A recap of customers' feedback received on September 30, 2021, is provided below:

Couldn't attend in person? We still want to hear from you! Do you ever feel unsafe waiting at a bus stop? Do you ever feel unsafe while riding a bus? Do you ever feel unsafe at the Transit Center? Submit your feedback by calling 864-298-2756 or emailing nmcaden@greenvillesc.gov.

PHASE 3: November 2021 – January 2022 

Public Survey

Greenlink conducted a second survey to determine if Greenlink customers’ awareness and understanding of human trafficking increased over the duration of the campaign. This survey was open from November 10, 2021 through November 30, 2021. A copy of the survey questions and the correct answers can be downloaded as a PDF. 

Open House Events

Greenlink hosted drop-in style open house events to recap the campaign and unveil the survey results. These tabling events took place inside the Greenlink Transit Center during the following dates:

Open House #1
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Greenlink Transit Center - Bus Terminal
100 W McBee Avenue

Open House #2
Thursday, December 9, 2021
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Greenlink Transit Center - Bus Terminal
100 W McBee Avenue

Couldn't attend in person? Customers may email nmcaden@greenvillesc.gov or call 864-298-2756 for more information.

GREENLINK EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION VIDEO

Greenlink produced a video about human trafficking to share with all new employees during orientation. The video will also be available for employees who want a refresher on the issues. The video was implemented into the new hire orientation in January 2022 and was used during a safety training in January 2023 for all front-line staff.

Public Awareness Event

In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which is recognized annually on January 11, Greenlink held a large-scale public awareness event to mark the end of the campaign (January 2022). Greenlink staff and volunteers rode buses throughout the day to pass out business cards with the National Human Trafficking Hotline’s toll-free phone number. Greenlink hoped to use this observance to let its riders know that they can anonymously report tips of human trafficking or confidentially request services if they themselves are in a situation that they want help to get out of. Additionally, the Piedmont Health Foundation sponsored a Fare Free Day for Greenlink customers to coincide with the outreach blitz on January 11, 2022. Volunteers collectively spent 17 hours speaking with customers and talked to more than 190 passengers about the National Human Trafficking Hotline!