Want to see a real crime? Need drugs or a place to sleep? Want to be a crime victim? The place to go is the LA METRO. Even as people are complaining and running from use of the trains, this government agency is expanding criminal activity possibilities.
“In a Metro press-release announcement, Mayor Karen Bass stated, “…with this opening, traveling across the region can be easier and more accessible – all while Metro works to make the experience safer, cleaner and more welcoming for todays and future riders.”
While Bass expresses optimism for a “cleaner” and “safer” Metro trip, statistics reflect otherwise. A 2022 report released by METRO showed that there was an overall total of 555 homeless people that were found sleeping at stations at the end of line – 59 of those at the E Line (Expo) Downtown Santa Monica.
On Feb. 16, Metro released a monthly update on “Pubic Safety” in their Board Report that indicated 1,435 incidents of violent crime in 2022 – a 24% increase from 2021. For May, the Board Report reflected 330 drug-related arrests with “bus / rail operator assaults” increasing from 7 to 23 in March.
Entrance to these trains stations need a warning sign that going on the train is not safe or healthy. Tourists need a travel advisory noting this is as safe as a town in Afghanistan. Just more wasted tax dollars.
Metro’s Regional Connector Set to Open Amidst Rising Concerns of Crime and Homelessness
by Magnolia Lafleur, Westside Current, 6/1/23 https://www.westsidecurrent.com/news/metros-regional-connector-set-to-open-amidst-rising-concerns-of-crime-and-homelessness/article_f7883f0e-003d-11ee-acd2-fb9c02daf99f.html
SANTA MONICA – The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO) announced June 16 as the official opening date for the Regional Connector – a 1.9 mile line that will connect riders from Azusa to Long Beach in one hour and 58 minutes and from East Los Angeles to Santa Monica in one hour and nine minutes.
“We have built a beautiful, useful, and state-of-the-art rail transit project that everyone in L.A. County will be able to use to get to their favorite destinations,” stated Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins in a press-release. “I for one am looking forward to seeing all the families that will use the Regional Connector to get to the beach, rediscover downtown, or go to museum hopping with their friends.”
The rail project, which started construction in 2013, removes the necessity of transfers between the L (Gold), A (Blue) and E (Expo) lines, giving riders a quicker commute.
In a Metro press-release announcement, Mayor Karen Bass stated, “…with this opening, traveling across the region can be easier and more accessible – all while Metro works to make the experience safer, cleaner and more welcoming for todays and future riders.”
While Bass expresses optimism for a “cleaner” and “safer” Metro trip, statistics reflect otherwise. A 2022 report released by METRO showed that there was an overall total of 555 homeless people that were found sleeping at stations at the end of line – 59 of those at the E Line (Expo) Downtown Santa Monica.
On Feb. 16, Metro released a monthly update on “Pubic Safety” in their Board Report that indicated 1,435 incidents of violent crime in 2022 – a 24% increase from 2021. For May, the Board Report reflected 330 drug-related arrests with “bus / rail operator assaults” increasing from 7 to 23 in March.
Santa Monica Council Member Phil Brock expressed his concerns about the Metro System stating, “…Metro must stop using the western terminus of the E Line as a dumping ground for the homeless humans who have ridden the train every day. Santa Monica and Venice cannot absorb 60-75 unhoused people each night at midnight. Make the trains safe, sanitary, and attractive and do it now. The time to stand idly by while the train system continues to deteriorate is over.”
In a recent correspondence with Metro regarding public fears that the Connector could become a conduit for more crime, a representative told the Westside Current, “we’re implementing a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy that aligns operations to the needs of the public through deliberate, effective public safety initiatives that improve security, customer care and cleanliness. The key to this strategy is an increased visible presence of both unarmed and armed uniformed personnel on our system who work together to ensure our customers and employees are safe – and feel safe, too.”
Editors Note: This updated version of the story corrects attribution of the report that identified 555 homeless individuals sleeping at stations at the end of line as coming from METRO.
