LA Metro expands tap out program, adopts weapon detection tech and more safety features

L.A. Metro’s board on Thursday approved funding for a slew of safety measures, including the expansion of the Tap-Out program to all its end of line stations. Weapon detection technology and taller fare gates will also be added at LAX/Metro Transit Center and two other stations.

The board’s motion approved $15.4 million to expand the Metro tap-out pilot program to all 10 end of line stations beginning with the downtown Santa Monica E line in August, with a similar grace period as the North Hollywood station.

Tap Out Program

In late May, Metro rolled out a pilot program in an effort to track down on fare evaders and to improve safety. The program requires riders to tap out as they exit the North Hollywood B line station. Riders who don't tap their card as they enter the station are charged the fare at the turnstiles.

A recent report from Metro says that in May, 75% of citations issued were due to fare evasion.

When the pilot rolled out, Metro identified 25,000 unpaid rides. Since the pilot program started, Metro saw an increase of paid rides up to $100,000 for the NoHo station.

Metro polled customers at the station and found that 91% felt the station was cleaner and safer.

During the public comment period at Thursday's meeting, Ariana Carranza from Community Power Collective said Metro should invest in other public safety infrastructure rather than tightening restrictions on fare collections.

“I really urge you guys to allocate those funds away from tap to exit and towards more impactful improvements like simply ensuring all metro stops have adequate shade and even sufficient lighting. Right now, about 75% of your bus stops don’t have proper shade, which is a big safety concern,” Carranza said.

Weapon detection technology

The board also approved funding for a 30-day weapon detection pilot program at Union Station and the soon to be completed LAX/Metro Transit Center. Technology will be installed at Union Station in September and then at the LAX/Metro Transit Center in November.

Riders will see a scanner called the Millimeter Wave Technology that scans items by their density and creates a 3D image of those objects. Similar detectors seen at sports events or concerts will also be installed, using sensors and AI to detect weapons and other threats without requiring riders to remove stuff from their pockets or bags.

Other safety features added

Metro will also add 64 more public smart bathrooms over the next four years. It will require the public to scan a QR code to enter the bathroom with a 10 minute time limit. There are already 10 smart bathrooms in place across several stations.

Many who spoke during public comment opposed this expansion, saying that Metro should instead invest in public bathrooms that don’t require a phone to be used.

Metro also plans to reconfigure 57 elevators to stay open when not in use. The idea is to deter people from doing “illegal activity.” According to the agency, graffiti, vandalism, drug use and other crimes have been reported in elevators.

Taller gates will also be added at three rail stations, with the first to be added at the LAX/Metro Transit Center by November. Metro will decide on two other stations to add the gates to by June 2025.

Why it matters

Since March LA Metro has been grappling with safety problems ranging from attacks on bus riders and drivers to robberies. In May, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass ordered a surge of police patrols aboard buses, rails and platforms. That month saw an increase in overall crimes with a total of 697 compared to 447 in April, according to the agency’s latest public safety report. The largest crime increase was seen in those committed against people.

Yet Metro has seen an increase in ridership over the past year with June’s ridership levels meeting 85% of the agency’s June 2019 levels.

Last month the Metro Board of directors voted to create a public safety department that would establish an in-house police force and add more care based workers to their safety team.