MINNEAPOLIS — Just a month into the new year, Metro Transit leaders said they’ve made a number of changes, with more to come to improve rider safety.
Several weeks ago, leaders spent time traveling every route they offer to hear from riders on their thoughts to improve safety on buses and light rail trains.
Monday, WCCO’s Pauleen Le spent the morning riding with leaders to hear what they’ve learned and to take a closer look at their safety plans.
Metro Transit reports crime has decreased by 33% in the last year. Ridership has also increased by 15%. Still, some riders told WCCO they don’t feel safe riding the light rail, having witnessED violent crime and open drug use. That sentiment was magnified after a shooting and robbery on a light rail train left one man hurt in St. Paul Saturday.
Recently, Metro Transit installed new signage on its platforms detailing new rules for riders , including the crackdown on paying for fares. The Metropolitan Council adopted the new rules last December. Metro Transit has long had a code of conduct, but this is the first time the Met Council has been asked to adopt the new rules.