0:00 - LA Metro’s Public Safety Crisis 0:48 - The Disconnect Between Metro Riders and Policymakers 1:37 - $120M Pilot Program Replaces Armed Police with Ambassadors 2:52 - How to Fix the Safety Issues on LA Metro
In recent years, the Los Angeles Metro has faced a significant public safety crisis, a situation that has escalated to alarming levels. Soledad Ursua, a board member of the Venice Neighborhood Council, offers a compelling critique of the current state of the Metro system, highlighting a series of policy decisions that have, in her view, contributed to this decline.
A Dangerous Commute
Ursua points out that Supervisor Kathryn Barger has publicly acknowledged the unsafe conditions on the Metro, refusing to use it herself. This admission underscores a broader issue affecting daily commuters, particularly those from low-income households. The average Metro rider, earning around $50,000 annually, is often exposed to dangerous situations. Ursua emphasizes the vulnerability of these individuals, who are simply trying to get to work but must navigate a perilous environment.
The 2020 Policy Shift
The roots of the current crisis, according to Ursua, can be traced back to 2020. In a move aligning with anti-police sentiment, the Metro board decided to reduce the presence of armed officers on buses and trains, replacing them with unarmed security ambassadors. This decision, intended to make riders feel safer, has seemingly backfired. Ursua asserts that both riders and transit workers are now more frequently subjected to violence, highlighting several recent incidents, including a viral video of a bus driver being attacked and a tragic stabbing of a hardworking immigrant woman.
Disconnect Between Policy Makers and Riders
Ursua argues that the Metro board, composed of powerful individuals including LA Mayor Karen Bass and five LA County supervisors, is out of touch with the realities faced by regular riders. Earning over $300,000 annually, these policymakers, Ursua contends, are insulated from the dangers that low-income commuters face daily. The implementation of unarmed ambassadors instead of trained, armed officers is seen as a manifestation of “luxury beliefs” disconnected from the harsh realities on the ground.
The Call for Change
To address the escalating violence, Ursua advocates for a significant policy reversal. She calls for the reintroduction of armed police officers on the Metro to ensure the safety of both riders and workers. This, she believes, is essential not only for daily commuters but also in preparation for Los Angeles hosting major international events like the World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028. A secure and clean Metro system is imperative for the city’s reputation and the safety of its residents and visitors.
Potential Legal Actions
Ursua goes a step further by suggesting that Metro riders should consider forming a class action lawsuit against LA Metro for failing to protect them. Such a legal move could pressure the Metro board to acknowledge their mistakes and make the necessary changes to their security policies.
Conclusion
The situation on the LA Metro is dire, and the policies implemented in 2020 appear to have exacerbated the problems rather than alleviating them. Ursua’s call for a return to a police presence on public transit is a plea for practical solutions over ideological stances. As Los Angeles prepares for significant global events, ensuring the safety of its public transportation system is not just a local issue but one of international importance. The time for a major policy shift is now, before more lives are endangered.
*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.
