Topline:
The Metro Board of Directors led by Mayor Karen Bass unanimously voted to make the ambassadors pilot program permanent and to bring it in house. It is currently contracted out.
Why it matters: The Metro Ambassadors pilot program was launched in September 2022 to provide directions or answer questions for Metro riders. Ambassadors also carry Narcan, which can reverse opioid overdoses and have helped save 52 lives.
In a survey conducted by Metro, about 60% of riders said the presence of ambassadors have made their experience on public transport safer.
Background: The murder of George Floyd in 2020 led to discussions of policing across the country. The ambassador program came about as L.A. County explored alternative approaches to public safety.