As riders Return to Mass Transit in Seattle, many are still concerned about safety. There has been violence reported in the news. King County Metro said it’s hiring 50 more transit security officers for 24/7 coverage and support. The number of boardings in January this year was 4.2 million. It was 3.2 million January 2021.
Metro said there were 35 passenger physical altercations in January. That number is down from 40 in January 2021. Transit officials also said that the number of issues are small compared to the number of riders that board each day.
As things get back to normal in Seattle, more people are taking King County Metro buses and Link light rail. Recent incidents like the attack near the Pioneer Square light rail station have concerned some riders. Many people said that mass transportation are safe however, some say that they are not going to take light rail or the bus as much anymore.
Sound Transit have a number to text if you feel unsafe. Security will come but how soon is the issue. A transit security officer might be twenty minutes away. Transit riders taking Link light rail should pay attention to the signage on rail cars and in stations. They advise riders to take note of the emergency number and where to find your car number—which is at the front and back of the car.
In response to safety concerns on mass transit, Sound Transit released this statement last Thursday: “The safety of our passengers is our top priority, and we have multiple layers of security in place for our riders.”
King County Sheriff’s deputies also responds to issues on mass transit for help when needed. There is extra private security officers as well. Sound Transit staff said passengers should call or text security if they see issues.
There was about 1.5 million clicks from riders boarding for rides last month. There were also about 70 complaints from customers about conditions of trains and safety issues. According to Sound Transit, there have been 27 physical passenger assaults on Link light rail trains so far this year. There were 84 total in 2021.
On social media @RidingRapidDLine posted:
“Fights, threats, open drug use. It seems to be getting better in the past few weeks. But the bus is worst than light rail.”
Mass Transit responded, saying, “Since last summer, in response to increased concerns onboard coaches, Metro increased its security personnel deployment, specifically focusing on routes with higher reports of incidents. The safety of our riders is our top priority.”
