Minneapolis Review

A new bill to address light rail security was introduced in the legislature by Rep. Jon Koznick.

“For too long, safety and security has not been a high enough priority,” Koznick told the Minneapolis Review. “In working on this issue and having heard from riders, operators and law enforcement (current and former) there seems to have been a culture that tolerated crime at Metro Transit, and that needs to end.”

He said the data on increased crime is indisputable, however, it is encouraging that Met Council and Metro Transit leaders are acknowledging the problem, in private and public comments.

HF 3750 addresses a number of key points, Koznick said. It increases fare compliance and a code of conduct, adds additional live monitoring of trains and platform video and increases Transit Police presence to problem areas.

In the bill, ridership bans will be introduced for those who commit criminal violations and violate the code of conduct and are repeat fare jumpers. The bill will also permit the new administrative citations option sought by the Met Council.

Koznick said to help improve security and reduce criminal activity and have more cost efficient labor, under the new bill, administrative citations could be issued by other persons than fully sworn officers. Under the bill, Transit Enforcement Agents, like train conductors and trained like Community Service Officers, will radio Metro Transit Police when there are public safety issues, freeing up Metro Transit to focus on more serious crime and be more responsive when riders need them most.  

He said the $2 million in public safety grants for additional security protection in Minneapolis and St. Paul for 2021 will be available to compliment the Met Council’s $1.8 million for new enforcement for this year.

“Taxpayers’ demand and riders deserve a public transit system that is both safe and a pleasant experience. Our bill aims to restore that level of service,” Koznick said.