Metro’s Board Directors could move forward with establishing their own transit police force in light of a recent increase in violent crime on buses and trains .
A report by L.A. Metro revealed that while there was an 18.9% decrease in overall crimes in April, there was a 15.6% increase in crimes against people on the transit system.
One Metro passenger told KNX News’ Jon Baird that while she hasn’t had anything happen to her while using the transit system, she’s in favor of a Metro police force.
“I can't speak to it personally, but if that's what makes people feel safe riding the bus or the subway, then go ahead and do it whatever it takes,” she said.
“ The safer, the better,” another Metro passenger said.
The most recent attack occurred on Memorial Day when a Metro bus driver was attacked on Spring St. Hours later, a man was stabbed at a Metro stop at West Olympic Blvd. and South La Brea Ave .
Prior to those attacks, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass ordered an immediate “surge” of police presence on the Metro transit system.
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Bass later told KNX News’ Craig Fiegener in an exclusive interview that “spikes” happen.
“I do think people should keep into perspective that this is a spike, and spikes happen,” she said . “If you look at the overall year, it has been a much better year, and ridership is up almost to pre-pandemic levels. But there are times in the year when crime spikes and this is what we're experiencing right now.”
In a public safety hearing at L.A. City Hall, an L.A. Metro official said that 97% of the people arrested for violent crimes on the Metro system did not have evidence of a fare or a TAP card.
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