Private Firm Now Providing Security at San Diego MTS Stations

After a national search to find the right security firm to continue improving the approach to security and enforcement, San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has been onboarding security officers from Inter-Con. The new security team began patrolling Trolleys, buses, and transit centers on Jan. 1. By the end of the month, about 190 Inter-Con officers will have joined the MTS security personnel on the ground. 

In July 2021, the MTS board approved a new five-year, $66 million contract with Inter-Con Security to provide security services on MTS vehicles and properties. The contract includes three base years with an option to extend for an additional two years.

Inter-Con’s 190 officers will join MTS’ 80 Code Compliance Inspectors to make up MTS Security. Together MTS Security officers are responsible for conducting fare inspections, acting as system ambassadors, supporting bus and rail operations and other employees in need, helping with lost and found, responding to the agency’s Ride Assured 24/7 text and phone hotlines and much more. The MTS service area covers 570 square miles, 62 stations, and 53 miles of double-tracked railway.

“We have been working diligently to adopt principles, guidelines, and improve our officers’ training to a more sensible approach to security and safety enforcement,” said Al Stiehler, MTS director, transit security and passenger safety. “Inter-Con presented an impressive work plan that aligns with our mission and is backed by the use of technology to track training and certifications.”

Inter-Con has 48 years working with both federal and state governments and employs a highly diverse workforce of over 30,000 employees across North and South America, Africa, and Europe, with sustained operational growth. Inter-Con provides tailored security services to Fortune 500 companies, public utilities, high net worth individuals, non-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments around the world.