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New bill would let cities tap federal dollars for new officers, public safety upgrades
Police officers at the 7th Street/Metro Center stop.
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Samanta Helou Hernandez
/
LAist
)
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Rep Laura Friedman Public Transit Bill
Los Angeles Congressmember Laura Friedman previews the bipartisan "Safe and Affordable Transit Act" that she's introducing today. It would set aside federal funds so local jurisdictions can hire more officers to police transit stations.
Topline:
Rep. Laura Friedman is unveiling a new bipartisan bill that would let local jurisdictions use federal funds to hire more officers to patrol transit stations.
Why it matters: Friedman said the "Safe and Affordable Transit Act" would be the first federal program to put money directly into making public transit safer. " That means paying for police officers, paying for physical infrastructure like cameras and shields and visibility, improvements with an eye towards getting people more comfortable riding transit," she told LAist's Morning Edition.
Why now: Friedman, a Democrat who represents the 30th District, cited a recent study at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority that shows serious crime fell by 43% between June 2024 and June 2025 — and that riders reported feeling noticeably safer — after the deployment of officers riding trains.
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Not just more cops: Friedman said federal funding won't only be available for hiring officers, but can also go toward technology upgrades, like "tap-to-exit" in Los Angeles. "It's up to the transit agencies to decide, as long as it is safety focused in some way," she added. "We're trying to make the program flexible enough that different transit agencies can use it in the way that they know will be most additive for their system."
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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.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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