Study data came from published sources and from interviews with transit and police officials and with civic leaders. Descriptions of the security programs in each transit system are followed by detailed analyses of methods of policing, surveillance and communications equipment, school and community education programs, the training of bus operators, costs, public perceptions of transit crime, and the effectiveness of various measures. Common features of the systems are the use of transit police or local law enforcement, the use of communications equipment installed in buses, and the use of community or school education programs. Each city also has unique features. Detroit has an undercover police operation used as a model by other cities. Los Angeles operates several demonstration projects using sophisticated security equipment. Seattle provides a stress-management program for its bus operators, while Pittsburgh uses a small police force to provide quick responses to reports of problems. Figures, tables, an appendix listing the people interviewed, 13 references, and a list of 5 other sources consulted are included. (NTIS abstract modified)