Twin Cities' Metro Transit to increase policing

Metro Transit officials last week announced plans to increase the number of law enforcement officers on the transit system to address growing security concerns on the agency's lines serving Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.

The new security efforts include offering more than 20,000 hours of additional work to part- and full-time law enforcement officers in 2020, amounting to $1.8 million, as well as seeking personnel loans from regional police forces. 

Metro Transit also is requesting support from the Minnesota Legislature to address fare evasion and launch a transit ambassador program, which would add 35 to 90 staff members to monitor trains and buses for safety and security issues, validate fares and assist riders, agency officials said in a press release.

Last week, Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle testified before the Minnesota House Transportation Finance Committee on the importance and need for increased transit security. The Metropolitan Council oversees Metro Transit.

This year, several serious crimes have occurred on Metro Transit trains and buses. Additionally, nuisance behavior such as smoking on trains and other offenses continue to rise, agency officials said.

“What’s happening on transit reflects what’s happening in our neighborhoods and cities,” Zelle said in a press release. “Inappropriate and criminal behavior on the streets translates into bad behavior on our transit system. The issues are bigger than transit, and they deserve the attention of us all.”  

Earlier this year, Metro Transit installed new security cameras on all rail cars, doubled its staffing for its “text for safety” crime reporting program, added more transit police officers in plainclothes and required Metro Transit Police to work mandatory additional hours each week.