Metro Transit plans to update code of conduct, add officers to improve rider experience
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Metro Transit leaders say keeping its riders safe is their number one priority.
Earlier this month, a $35 fare violation fines program started, and now, an update to its code of conduct. The Metropolitan Council will vote on whether or not they'll adopt their updated policies.
It's all in effort to improve rider experience and safety.
"Our plan is simple. More people, more places," Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales III said.
WCCO has shown some of the issues the transit system faces: light rail riders dealing and using hard drugs out in the open. Chief Morales III says they're ramping up their presence to make riding their systems safer.
"Providing a safe and welcoming experience for everyone on transit is a top priority of ours," Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras said.
The uptick in presence comes after lawmakers passed several measures meant to improve rider experience last legislative session. It's doing that by updating its code of conduct, or rule rider, and adding security services to enforce them.
Right now, there are 12 community services officers out in the field. CSOs are members of the police department, but not sworn officers. Thanks to a new law, they can now issue citations. While there are only a dozen currently, Metro Transit is budgeted to have 70.
CSOs were deployed last week. Since then, they've inspected 2,000 fares and issued nearly 200 citations.
"Our police officers are now able to solely focus on proactive policing," Morales III said.
Along with CSOs, Metro Transit wants to expand its contract with Allied Universal; security personnel brought in to help with problem areas.
"All of these components means that Metro Transit Police Officers will be able to address more serious crimes," Chief Morales III said.
More serious crimes, and more serious issues: like homelessness, mental health and substance abuse. Some of those issues were on display during Metro Transit's press conference Tuesday morning, as a gentleman came outside the Union Depot clearly experiencing a mental health crisis.
"We just witnessed a mental health outbreak. Right," Morales III said. "That's a perception of safety. Obviously, he's a peaceful individual expressing his point of view, but that might make people feel uncomfortable. We feel by having our CSOs out there, uniform presence that people will feel safety because they'll have a friendly face around. and that's what we want to promote. Safety."
To help address societal issues, Metro Transit has partnered with ten community-based organizations that can deploy social service teams to wherever a rider in need is.
"Transit is a window into some broader challenges facing our community right now," Kandaras said.
So far, Metro Transit says crime is down 33 percent this year and ridership is up 15 percent. It was an update transit leaders were happy to share at the House Transportation Committee hearing Tuesday afternoon at the State Capitol.
"We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming experiencing for all of our customers and as well as our employees," Kandaras said.
Wednesday, the Metropolitan Council will consider adopting its revised Code of Conduct. While Metro Transit has had a Code of Conduct for quite some time, this will be the first time it will be officially taken in by the Met Council. It will also take a look at a proposal to expand a contract for security services.
Metro Transit wants rider feedback. It's hosting several listening sessions on the updated rules next month.
Listening sessions will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Jan. 9: 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., Blue Line
- Wednesday, Jan. 10: 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Green Line
- Thursday, Jan. 11: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Blue Line
- Friday, Jan. 12: 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., Green Line
Feedback can be provided at any time by emailing comments@metrotransit.org.