Study: Baltimore agency 'safest' among largest U.S. transit systems

The Maryland Department of Transportation's Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has been recognized as having the safest transit system out of the largest 12 U.S. transit agencies.

A study conducted by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) showed that MDOT MTA in 2017 had the fewest number of Part 1 crimes among the dozen agencies. Part 1 crimes are the most serious offensives such as homicide, rape and aggravated assault.

Last year, MDOT MTA logged 183 Part 1 crimes, followed by New Jersey Transit, which logged 413 such crimes. MARTA reported 452 Part 1 crimes in 2017.

In addition, from 2016 to 2017, the number of serious crimes on MDOT MTA's system dropped from 240 to 183.

"Our team of dedicated men and women have been able to maintain a low crime rate due to their hard work, partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the region, the use of advanced technology and regular training," said John Gavrilis, MDOT MTA's chief of police.

MDOT MTA provides subway, light-rail and commuter-rail service in the Baltimore area.