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Metro To Make Ambassador Program Permanent
Ambassadors who are a part of the Pilot Transit Ambassador program stroll into the Metro subway system for work.
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Courtesy of Los Angeles Metro
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LA Metro
)
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.
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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.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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