An overwhelming majority of people in Los Angeles say they don't feel safe riding the Metro, according to a report by Crosstown.
The report cited a June 2024 survey conducted by USC researchers, which found that 84% of L.A. residents think the Metro trains are unsafe
The report also found that there was a 15.5% decrease in violent crimes “per transit rider from 2023 to 2024,” and that arrests for trespassing crimes went up 177% in 2024 compared to 2023.
KNX News’ Craig Fieger spoke with some Metro passengers about whether or not they feel safe.
“There’s not as many people sleeping on the train early in the morning,” one passenger said, but added that one has done anything about it.
Another passenger who takes the A train in Pasadena said it’s like a homeless shelter.
“Commuters that pay to get on the bus or on the train can't sit down,” she said.
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In May 2024, Mayor Karen Bass ordered a “surge” of police presence on the Metro transit system following a string of violent incidents on the trains and buses.
The following month, it was announced that Metro was proceeding with plans to have its own police force.
Supervisor Janice Hahn, who also serves as chair of the L.A. Metro Board of Directors, told Fiegener it would take about five years for the police force to phase in.
“In the meantime, we will continue contracting with the LA County Sheriff's Department, LAPD, as well as Long Beach Police Department,” she said.
She said the Metro police force will have a chief of police, as well as armed and unarmed officers.
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