SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System will be increasing the number of officers patrolling its trolley lines and buses in response to rider requests for a boosted security presence, it was announced Wednesday.
Following a passenger survey that revealed requests for security improvements, the MTS Board signed off last year on a $4.2 million increase to its security budget, the agency said.
MTS' 2024 transit security initiative will include a 60% increase in the number of security officers throughout the MTS system.
MTS said the number of security officer "train" teams will be increased from five to six teams per shift to eight to 10 teams per shift. Additionally, MTS will double the number of officers patrolling buses, double the number of plain-clothes officers, and increase the number of officers conducting homeless outreach for coverage seven days per week.
The agency said it has also consolidated its 24/7 security hotline to one number in a bid to improve security response times. Riders may call or text 619-595-4960 to report incidents.
"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," said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board chair and a San Diego city councilman. "Riders want to feel safe and seeing an increased security presence during their trip does just that."
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