In response to a tragic incident on the Metro B Line and a concerning surge in violent attacks targeting bus drivers, the transit agency’s Board of Directors announced a public safety emergency on Thursday. They unanimously approved plans to install new safety barriers for bus operators and initiated additional measures to bolster the system’s security.
The decision to acquire upgraded barriers for hundreds of buses was prompted by a significant rise in assaults against operators, escalating from 92 incidents in 2019 to 160 in 2023, with further increases noted this year. Additionally, following the recent tragic death of Mirna Soza Arauz, a 66-year-old victim of an apparently unprovoked stabbing, Metro board member Kathryn Barger, along with several colleagues, proposed swift action to enhance public safety measures.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, chairing the Board of Directors, emphasized the commitment to ensuring the safety of both passengers and operators during the meeting, stating that the residents of Los Angeles deserve a secure transit system.
Barger’s motion seeks to secure station entrances and exits, analyze data on violent crimes within the system, and expedite pilot programs in high-risk areas. The motion received support from various officials, including Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian, Inglewood Mayor James Butts, and Glendale City Councilman Ara Najarian.
The board also endorsed initiatives such as expanding security camera coverage, exploring facial recognition technology, and considering measures to restrict problematic individuals from using Metro services.
Acknowledging improvements in crime statistics, Barger stressed the ongoing challenges faced by the agency in ensuring public safety. However, there were differing opinions among board members on the most effective strategies to address these issues.
While some, like Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, questioned the effectiveness of Metro’s policing contracts with various law enforcement agencies, others, like Mayor Butts, advocated for the adoption of advanced security technologies.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell cautioned against hasty responses, emphasizing the importance of considering broader contextual factors in discussions on public safety.
The Board of Directors committed to further deliberation on potential safety measures within the next 60 days.
