Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
JUNE 26, 2025
Preamble
Motion by:
DIRECTORS HAHN, SOLIS, MITCHELL, HORVATH, SANDOVAL, AND DUTRA
Ensuring Safe and Reliable Metro Service for All Riders
For our most vulnerable riders, transit is not just a convenience; it is a lifeline to work, school, medical care, and community. As federal agents escalate raids across the Los Angeles region, our communities are gripped by fear, confusion, and grief. Vulnerable community members are being targeted while simply trying to go about their daily lives, in pursuit of the American Dream. Families are being torn apart. Riders are unsure whether the simple act of getting to work or school might put them or their loved ones at risk.
Metro observed a 10-15% drop in ridership in some areas immediately following ICE activity, reflecting the real fear and uncertainty experienced by parts of our community.
On February 12, 2025, Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn sent a letter to Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins requesting that the agency partner with the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs to place “Know Your Rights” information on Metro buses, trains, and throughout the system.
Under the leadership of CEO Stephanie Wiggins, Metro has also provided emergency response training to Metro Security, bus operators, transit ambassadors, and other frontline workers regarding their rights and responsibilities to themselves and their riders.
In addition to serving as a vital resource for immigrant communities, Metro plays a crucial role in helping people safely and reliably access public spaces to gather and express their constitutionally protected speech during moments of collective action.
On Saturday, June 14, during the third-largest demonstration in U.S. history, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) ordered the crowds to disperse. However, several critical Metro rail stations, including Union Station, and bus routes had been shut down, causing confusion among those attempting to follow the orders and disrupting the commutes of other riders. At LAPD’s request, these hours long disruptions occurred multiple times in the week leading up to the demonstrations.
Many who participate in these demonstrations rely on public transit as their only means of transportation. Keeping the system accessible during these moments not only allows the public to participate but also provides a safe means of exit if dangerous situations arise. Abrupt service changes also erode the public’s trust in Metro and public transit, questioning whether they should continue using the system for fear of service interruptions.
By maintaining reliable and safe service, providing clear and multilingual communication, and deploying trained staff to assist riders, we demonstrate that Metro is committed to serving the public, supporting safety, access, and the ability of people to come together in moments that matter.
This motion reaffirms our values and directs staff to take concrete, immediate steps to support our riders and frontline workers during these unprecedented times, including, but not limited to, clear public communication, training for operators and staff, and coordination with trusted community organizations.
Subject
SUBJECT: ENSURING SAFE AND RELIABLE METRO SERVICE FOR ALL RIDERS
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE Motion by Hahn, Solis, Mitchell, Horvath, Sandoval, and Dutra that the Board direct the Chief Executive Officer to:
A. Develop an updated protocol for station closures ensures that service interruptions are implemented only when necessary, with clear, timely, and multilingual communication to minimize rider disruption and ensures safety.
B. Promote Metro’s real-time alerts and encourage riders to subscribe to real-time Metro alerts, helping them stay informed and better navigate service changes during periods of disruption.
C. Continue emergency response protocols for all Metro personnel, including Metro security officers, bus operators, and transit ambassadors, specifically for handling situations involving immigration enforcement activities.
D. Surge the deployment of Metro Ambassadors and, as needed, safety and other personnel while demonstrations continue to provide enhanced rider support, ensuring riders can navigate the system safely and with confidence.
E. Develop and implement a comprehensive protocol to manage crowds effectively and safely at Metro stations during periods of heightened activity, including public demonstrations and large-scale events. This protocol should prioritize the safety of customers and employees while maintaining transit service and minimizing disruptions. It must include:
1. Strategies to monitor and manage crowd flow effectively, including mechanisms to prevent escalator overcrowding and related service delays;
2. Clear, multilingual communication plans to promptly inform riders about service changes or station conditions via signage, announcements, apps, and social media;
F. Report back to the Board on the impacts on our ridership during the course of the heightened ICE activities.