By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
King County Executive Shannon Braddock has proposed a 2025 supplemental budget that would invest $26.1 million in safety and security improvements across King County Metro’s transit system. The City of Seattle is also contributing more than $5 million in voter-approved funding to support these efforts.
“Since 2023, King County Metro has dramatically increased our ridership, adding more than 10 million passengers,” said Executive Braddock. “This supplemental budget will fund more Metro Transit Police and Transit Security Officers to deliver a safe and welcoming environment, which all our customers and employees deserve.”
Braddock said the partnership with the City of Seattle will also expand Metro’s SaFE Ambassadors program to serve additional neighborhoods and routes. The proposed budget was presented to the King County Council on May 29 and is part of her broader effort to build communities where everyone can thrive.
If approved, the supplemental budget would add 10 Metro Transit Police deputies, bringing the total to 89 when fully staffed. It would also fund larger and stronger operator safety partitions for all Metro buses, an important protection for bus drivers who continue to face threats and assaults.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell emphasized that a safe and reliable transit system is crucial for Seattle’s future.
“Safe and reliable public transit is essential to achieving our One Seattle vision for everyone to be able to travel freely and confidently across our city,” Harrell said. “Transit connects people to essential services, jobs, fun, and each other, but that is only possible if riders and operators are safe.”
Harrell said these collaborative investments with King County will help energize downtown Seattle and revitalize public spaces to make them more welcoming and accessible for everyone.
City Councilmembers Rob Saka and Dan Strauss championed $2 million of Seattle’s contribution through the 2025 city budget process. The City’s investments come from the Seattle Transportation Levy and the Seattle Transit Measure, which voters approved to expand mobility, safety, and equity across Seattle’s transportation network.
SDOT Director Adiam Emery said voter-approved funding is essential to maintaining and improving public transit.
“Transit safety and security are fundamental to building a reliable and accessible transportation system,” Emery said. “Thanks to Seattle voters, these investments allow us to work collaboratively with Metro to create a safer, more welcoming transit experience for everyone who depends on public transportation.”
The Seattle Transit Measure will also support Metro’s SaFE Ambassadors program with $1 million from SDOT to help ambassadors provide rider support and information. SaFE Ambassadors are currently deployed in the Central District, Mount Baker, and Renton. The program expanded this year to include more ambassadors in the Rainier Valley and University District, in part due to these city investments.
Metro Transit Major Todd Morrell said staffing levels for transit police have remained strong despite hiring challenges facing law enforcement agencies nationwide.
“We don’t have a recruiting problem at Metro Transit Police,” Morrell said. “Often times, we are the work site of choice. A recent King County employee survey showed Metro deputies were extremely satisfied and happy with their jobs. This will certainly help attract future applicants, which will in turn allow us to succeed in our mission of proactive and highly visible patrols that ensure the safety of anyone who rides the bus or streetcar.”
The supplemental budget proposal would also fund the continued increase in Transit Security Officers. Their numbers have steadily grown from 60 in 2021 to 220 as of April 2025, expanding Metro’s ability to respond to incidents and maintain a visible security presence throughout the system.
King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison said safety investments are essential to ensuring riders feel secure and welcomed on public transit.
“At King County Metro, we’re driven to serve our community members and to be your favorite way to travel,” said Allison. “We’re appreciative to Executive Braddock, Mayor Harrell, and other leaders and partners for supporting our Metro riders and employees. Metro First-line Supervisors, Metro Transit Police Officers, and Metro Transit Security Officers — alongside our Behavioral Health Specialists, SaFE Ambassadors, and all our staff — are committed to your safety and to treating everyone with respect.”
Officials said reinforcing transit security is part of a broader effort to support vibrant, healthy, and safe communities across King County and Seattle. The proposed investments will fund additional patrols and safety programs across Metro’s regional network, providing a visible presence to deter crime and enhance public confidence.
Braddock’s proposal builds on Metro’s recent efforts to prioritize safety, reliability, and equity as ridership rebounds post-pandemic. Metro ridership surged by more than 10 million passengers since 2023, and officials said investments in safety are essential to meeting the needs of riders and operators while maintaining public trust.
The King County Council is expected to take final action on Executive Braddock’s proposed supplemental budget next month.
