Velo, Aligo, Craig:

The Metro Transit System won the Gold Standard for Security based on a national audit of our system in 2014, one of a very few transit systems to achieve that status. In addition to security technology (dedicated phones, system cameras), Metro has and will continue to deploy a multi-layered approach to system security that includes contracted Police Officers, contracted Security Guards, and our own Public Safety Officers as well as a group of fare enforcers. We continue to work with all elements to improve the security product for our system.

We are glad that you are seeing the increase in Public Safety visits and Fare enforcement activity. That is the frontline of any transit security program and this visibility is something we are striving for. Another of our continuing efforts include providing feedback about customer complaints back to the security personnel on the system.

Enforcement is one thing, eradication is another. We are aware of several persons who we have had removed from the system for identical issues, but who are released and return to their activities within the same day. This is a problem not limited to the transit system and needs a wider solution.

Metro continues to work with all elements of the security system to ensure good return on the investment. New reports have been developed and we are analyzing the information from them. As with any program of this size, improvements occur incrementally, but has been stated here, the visibility of the forces has been increased, enforcement activities are up, and we believe the security product will continue to improve in the weeks ahead.