Metro Transit is reflecting on a safer 2024 thanks in part to the Transit Rider Investment Program.
"As we reported back in November, there's been an 8% drop in reported crimes compared to this time last year and serious crime is down 14%, while ridership is up 7%," explained Joe Dotseth, Interim Chief of the Metro Transit Police Department.
He says crime will not be tolerated on buses and trains.
"Our officers are spending the time on the system and sending a clear message to everyone," says Dotseth. "Crime will not be tolerated on transit and we will work to ensure that those committing those times are held accountable."
The addition of supplemental security officers or, "TRIP agents," have also helped to crack down on riders failing to pay according to Metro Transit General Manager Leslie Kandaris.
"A year ago, there were zero TRIP agents," Kandaris said. "That wasn't something we launched until February. Now we have close to 60 riding our system each and every day."
Their presence has led to safer commutes. Kandaris says they hope to have close to 100 TRIP agents by the end of next year.
"Our TRIP agents along with our community service agents have checked about 450,000 fares this year, which is about double what we had checked the year before," she says. "So that's just one example of how this increased presence is part of our overall goal to make it a safe and welcoming experience for all."
The Metropolitan Council, which manages Metro Transit, will vote on a proposed 2025 operating budget for Metro Transit later on Wednesday.