This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Metro Is Sending Help For Riders In The Form Of 300 Ambassadors
The Metro K Line opens to the public in Los Angeles on Oct. 7, 2022.
(
Raquel Natalicchio
/
for LAist
)
Metro is launching a pilot program that's assigning roughly 300 new unarmed transit ambassadors to ride the agency's buses and trains to help riders navigate the system safely. They'll be there seven days a week, from early morning until 10 p.m., according to the agency.
Metro spokesperson Dave Sotero said the ambassadors can serve as extra eyes and ears around the system.
"They can report maintenance issues, cleanliness issues and even safety concerns directly to the appropriate Metro departments for expedited response," he said.
Safety concerns
There have been 21 deaths on Metro's trains and buses this year. Gina Osborn, Metro's chief safety officer, said most were due to overdoses. She also presented data showing a 99% increase in complaints from passengers possessing or using drugs on buses, trains and platforms on Feb. 23.
Metro said its rail boardings are at 62% of pre-pandemic levels, and bus ridership is at 71%. On March 1, the Los Angeles City Council approved a $54 million extension for the Los Angeles Police Department to provide transit policing services on Metro, despite objections from activists. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez said the extension covers just 236 officers for six months.
What's next
Sotero said the ambassadors will not be replacing existing security staff or law enforcement, but they will help riders get where they're going, help calm down disputes and maybe even convince Angelenos that public transit is easy and safe. He added that said the ambassador pilot program is one of the country's most extensive, if not the largest, ambassador programs. It's funded for up to five years.
Trending on LAist
-
Facing budget shortfalls, local governments are now asking philanthropists to help provide cash assistance and rent relief to families with detained workers. -
The city has become a flash point in a national battle between civil rights groups and the ‘Make America Great Again’ movement. -
With several locations across LA, fans love Win-Dow’s tasty smashburgers — closely followed by their great prices. -
The man was attacked by bystanders after the crash and was shot and wounded. -
The cause of the explosion is unknown. Sheriff Robert Luna calls the deputies who were killed heroic and says they were all department veterans. -
The L.A. regional homelessness agency says it was correcting errors to comply with federal requirements.
Best of LAist
