The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) announced that the Board of Directors approved a series of measures that will aim to improve operations, accessibility, and security across the MTS transit system. 

These measures include the implementation of a credit card tap-to-pay feature, which will allow riders to tap their physical credit cards or smart devices enabled credit cards on PRONTO validators on MTS or NTCD transit stations and bolstering the agency’s security personnel by adding 34 more Code Compliance Inspector (CCI) positions to help patrol its transit system. 

This approved increase will boost the total number of CCIs patrolling the system from 56 to 90 – a 60% increase. 

The agency also has 200 private security officers deployed through its contracted private security firm, Inter-Con.

“The security and comfort of our riders, and employees is MTS’ main priority, said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair. “A stronger presence of security on the system and a more efficient payment system for riders on the go is something we’ve heard from the community, and today’s action put words into action.” “I want to thank the MTS stakeholders and riders who have provided feedback on these initiatives and I think it will go a long way toward bringing even more riders back to the system.”

The option to pay for transit fares directly with a physical card or smart device-enabled credit cards was considered after numerous workshops with stakeholders from MTS, North County Transit District (NCTD), California Integrated Travel Project, fare system vendor INIT, credit card gateway provider NMI, and payment processor Chase to discuss the most viable way to introduce open payment methods for riders.

MTS Efforts for Approval

The decision to increase the number of CCIs and other members of the security team was made after community engagement with internal and external focus groups, and a customer satisfaction survey to measure rider and employee sentiment towards security presence on the MTS system. 

Additionally, MTS staff met with numerous committees, such as the Security and Passenger Safety Community Advisory Group (CAG), the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), and the Public Security Committee to identify areas of improvement for the agency’s security protocols and personnel training.

The hiring of additional security personnel will allow for increased coverage for the Trolley Train Teams and Bus Enforcement Team, and the ability to have daily coverage for the Passenger Safety Team and the Homeless Outreach Team. The total annual cost for this increase in security staffing is approximately $4.2 million.