This week, the Senate Transportation Committee heard legislation authored by Senator Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) that seeks to make metro transit safer for those traveling in and around metro areas. The bill appropriates funding for staff and equipment costs of additional sworn officers for the Metro Transit Police Department.

“This is a simple but important bill that hires additional police officers to ensure safe travel for those utilizing any of the metro transit systems,” said Kreun. “Many people have cited rising crime rates as the primary reason for not utilizing metro transit, and we can do something to help. This is a bipartisan bill that offers a practical solution to make transit systems safer for everyone.”

Recently, news outlets have begun reporting on the unsafe conditions of Metro Transit’s trains. A report released earlier this year showed that crime reports related to Metro Transit’s trains and buses increased by 53% between 2021 and 2022, with vandalism and property damage being the most frequent crimes committed.

The bill was laid over for inclusion in a future budget bill.