Metro’s executive director Jessica Mefford-Miller told the Post-Dispatch last year that she believes perception of security on the light-rail system has factored into declining ridership. She said riders also may quit riding because of panhandlers, smokers, fare skippers or disruptive passengers.

On Friday, Metro Transit’s top two security officials were ousted amid what the operation’s new chief executive said is an effort to coordinate better with local police.

A statement Friday from a Bi-State spokeswoman said improving safety of riders and employees is its highest priority.

“In order to do that Metro Transit will be making major changes and details of those changes will be announced in the coming weeks,” the statement said. “With the help of the three professional police departments — the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Louis County Police Department, we are working to rebuild public confidence in our system.”

Crime on MetroLink has been a controversial subject, particularly over the St. Louis County Council’s decision last year to withhold $5 million from Metro for security funding. Police and Mefford-Miller have said crime on MetroLink has decreased, though the public transit agency has been unable to provide statistics.