Multiple law enforcement partners patrol Metro's transit system, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Long Beach Police Departments. LA Metro
Between 2015 and 2019, total Part 1 and Part 2 crimes, known respectively as “serious” and “less serious” crimes, have both fallen on the Metro system. Part 1 crimes have decreased nearly 23 percent and Part 2 crimes have decreased nearly 11 percent. Crime reductions have been observed in all major crime categories, including crimes against persons, crimes against properties and crimes against society. Statistics are reported to Metro regularly by multiple law enforcement partners now patrolling the transit system, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Long Beach Police Departments.
Overall, there are approximately 3.9 crimes per million transit rides, a relatively low number that is consistent with that of other major transit agencies across the United States and the rate of crime associated with many local municipalities.
The multi-year trend identified in the crime data reveals a steady but significant drop in total crimes due primarily to Metro’s intense focus on improving safety and security for its customers and employees. The agency has implemented several important safety and security initiatives in recent years to improve the customer experience, retain current transit riders and attract new riders to the system.
Metro instituted a new, multi-agency policing plan in mid-2017. The plan employs a combination of a law enforcement agencies, Metro transit security, private security and in-house fare compliance officers to better protect the Metro system. Since this new plan was implemented, Metro has substantially increased the “felt presence” of law enforcement on the system, which serves as a proven method of deterrence.
Metro has also shortened law enforcement response times to reported incidents to about five minutes. The agency has also deployed “surge” operations as needed targeting specific crime trends and suspicious activity inside Metro stations.
On the security front, Metro continues to build a very robust and collaborative and intelligence-led training and exercise program with multiple stakeholders to train and prevent, mitigate and prepare for hazards in the transit environment. As a complement to law enforcement presence, this advance training methodology allows Metro to increase its ability to deter, detect, delay and deny significant threats. As a result, Metro’s resiliency and strategies for effective response and recovery have increased and undergird the agency’s successful reductions in crime.
Metro has regularly deployed its new Thruvision explosive-detection system randomly throughout the system to augment its counter-terrorism measures. Riders can also anonymously report safety and security concerns with their smart phones using Metro’s Transit Watch app.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.
The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.
MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.
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USDOT found the Chicago Transit Authority’s safety plan insufficient to safeguard commuters on buses and rail, as crime on Chicago transit approaches a decade-high.
