MTS launches ramped-up security on buses, trolleys
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System launched a new initiative on Thursday to expand security for riders on the city’s trolley and bus systems.
The ramped up security, which was approved by the MTS Board of Directors last year, is just one of several improvements the agency says it plans on implementing over the next few months to bolster ridership on public transit.
“We want to show MTS riders our appreciation by letting them know we are listening to their recommendations to improve their riding experience on our system,” Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember, said in a statement.
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A 2022 passenger satisfaction survey guided the initiatives MTS will be carrying out to improve the experience of riders on the transit network. According to the agency, respondents to the survey said security was their biggest concern using MTS buses or trolleys.
In response to the survey, the MTS Board voted to dole out an additional $4.2 million for hiring nearly 40 new security personnel to monitor trains and patrol stations.
These “Code Compliance Inspectors” will be deployed to buses, trolleys and stations in both the neon-yellow uniform as well as plain clothes. Aside from an increased visible presence, MTS says the added personnel will help with response times to incidents reported to the transit system.
On top of ramped up security, MTS officials said they will be establishing security outposts at busy stations like 12th and Imperial, allowing teams to stay out in the field longer “and not have to come all the way back for shift changes, breaks or other administrative tasks.”
The transit agency has also consolidated its 24/7 security hotline to one number. Riders will now be able to call or text 619-595-4960 to report incidents on any of the transit agency’s buses or trains.
“Our goal is to make the transportation services provided by MTS the safest in the nation,” said Tim Kern, director of transit security and passenger safety at MTS. “Whether you’re a rider by choice or depend on MTS to get to your job, your school, your medical appointments, or any other location, we’re here to serve you.”
Moving forward, MTS will be implementing additional changes to its services, including the introduction of 24-hour bus service between downtown and the border, 15-minute service all-day on the three Trolley lines and increased span on service on other “popular routes.”
However, MTS says the next changes riders can expect are improvements to stops and stations, such as new shade and lighting, and the launch of a new tap payment technology in April for payment of bus or trolley fares.
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The one-tap payment system will help with riders’ frustrations over issues with the existing digital ticketing app, PRONTO.
According to MTS, problems like validating tickets led to a loss of $3 million in revenue from fares back in 2022, the same year a coalition of frequent transit riders sent a letter to the agency to voice concerns about the app and implore it to explore payment alternatives.
“These are just some of the improvements in store to make this the year of more better transit,” MTS Chief Executive Officer Sharon Kooney said in a press conference on Thursday. “(We’re) trying to make (MTS) faster, cleaner and stronger.”
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