Metro officials Wednesday will host its annual "State of the Agency" address, reflecting on the past year's accomplishments as it deals with recent concerns over safety on the transit system.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who is the current chair of the Board of Directors, and Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins will lead the event. Bass will pass the chair gavel to county Supervisor Janice Hahn, who will begin her one- year term leading the agency's directors.
Officials will look back on the agency's efforts in advancing transit infrastructure, such as the addition of bus lanes across county and city of Los Angeles. They will also discuss progress on projects currently under construction, including the Airport Metro Connector and the Purple (D) Line Extension Project. Major planning milestones for the agency's East San Fernando Valley Line, North San Fernando Valley Line and the Southeast Gateway Line will also be discussed.
Last month, the board moved forward with a plan to establish an in-house police department , dubbed the Transit Community Public Safety Department. The agency is expected bring law enforcement services back under its oversight for the first time in 30 years, and to make its ambassador program permanent.
The move comes after months of highly publicized violent crimes on its system. The Transit Community Public Safety Department will be rolled out over the course of five years. Meanwhile, the agency's current contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Police Department and Long Beach Police Department will remain in place.
Law enforcement contracts are expected to be slowly phased out with the goal of having agency's in-house department ready to take over by 2029. The plan is estimated to cost $192.6 million per year compared to the $194 million multi-agency contract.
"So having greater control and accountability over law enforcement, centering on community safety and care-based strategies, and addressing the unique quality of life challenges on trains and buses -- this is why I'm supporting us moving forward with a new model," Bass previously said.
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Officials will also look to discuss the agency's ridership data. June data has not been released yet.
Despite concerns over safety on the transit system, Metro had reported an increase in ridership during the month of May compared to the same period last year with more than 27.1 million boards on buses and rail lines.
The agency enacted a three-point plan to focus on keeping employees and riders safe, ensure the system is being used properly, and to partner with cities, the county and regional agencies to address issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance abuse.
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