METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

1 in 5 riders face unwanted sexual behavior on L.A. Metro, survey says

As part of a semi-annual customer review, the agency asked more than 22,000 bus and rail passengers if they had experienced "unwanted sexual behavior including, but not limited to, touching, exposure, or inappropriate comments" over a six-month period.

February 20, 2015
1 in 5 riders face unwanted sexual behavior on L.A. Metro, survey says

Photo: Malcolm K. via Flickr

1 min to read


Photo: Malcolm K. via Flickr

LOS ANGELES — More than one in five Metro passengers were subjected to unwanted sexual advances or behavior while riding Metro trains and buses in Los Angeles County during the first half of 2014, according to a new survey, the Los Angeles Times reported.

As part of a semi-annual customer review, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority asked more than 22,000 bus and rail passengers if they had experienced "unwanted sexual behavior including, but not limited to, touching, exposure, or inappropriate comments" over a six-month period. About 22% of passengers, or 4,850 people, said yes, according to the report.

"We don't think this is acceptable," Metro spokesman Paul Gonzales told The Times.

One point of concern, officials said, is the relatively low number of police reports compared to the number of passengers who say they experienced harassment, The Times reported.

Ad Loading...

For the full story, click here.

More Security and Safety

An image of the white house with text overlayed reading "FTA Launches Transit Performance Dashboard."
Security and Safetyby Elora HaynesJuly 24, 2026

FTA Launches 'Transit Moves America' Dashboard to Highlight Agency Safety and Performance

The online dashboard transforms National Transit Database information into a public-facing resource that allows users to compare transit agencies on key operational and safety metrics.

Read More →
LA Metro at State of the Agency event.
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 23, 2026

LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Read More →
TechnologyJuly 20, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
TTC streetcar on tracks

TTC Launches Camera Pilot to Curb Illegal Passing of Streetcars

During the pilot, the cameras will measure how often illegal streetcar passing occurs and test the technology's reliability for future automated enforcement.

Read More →
A rider validating a tap payment on a Masabi validator.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffJuly 16, 2026

Metra Begins Drone Pilot Project to Boost Safety and Security

The project is funded through a $620,000 grant from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program, which provides transit agencies with funding for projects intended to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Reinventing Transit's Digital Future with Luminator's Magnus Friberg
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 13, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
APTA Celebrates Rail Industry Achievement
Security and Safetyby StaffJuly 1, 2026

APTA Recognizes Excellence in Rail Safety and Security at 2026 Rail Conference

Nominations are evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability.

Read More →
Endera electric buses for California’s Mendocino Transit Authority
Technologyby StaffJune 25, 2026

Biz Briefs: Endera Delivers to California, Safety Vision Teams with San Antonio's VIA, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
AI-Powered Tools Support Safer Transit Systems
Security and SafetyJune 22, 2026

The Role of AI in Public Safety for Smart Transit Systems

As transit systems generate more data than ever, AI-powered safety tools are helping agencies detect incidents faster, improve response times and enhance situational awareness.

Read More →