Metro Transit officials in the Twin Cities have announced new measures aimed at improving safety and restoring public confidence in the light rail system. While police report that serious crime has dropped by 21% compared to the same time last year, leaders acknowledge there is still a long way to go to make riders feel secure.
Since the pandemic, Metro Transit has faced ongoing challenges linked to crime, drug use, and homelessness on trains and platforms—issues that some advocates have described as a public health crisis. In response, the agency introduced a 42-point Safety and Security Action Plan in 2022 to tackle these problems head-on. The latest announcement marks the next phase of that effort.
Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras said the agency recognizes that riders still experience concerns despite progress being made. “We know we have more work to do,” she said. “As a rider, I see that myself, but we feel confident that these additional steps we’re taking will move us closer to consistently meeting the expectations of our riders.”
Part of this new push includes strengthening law enforcement and security presence across the system. Metro Transit now has 116 sworn police officers and 26 community service officers—the highest staffing levels since 2021. The Metropolitan Council has also approved an expansion of private supplemental security, which will deploy more than 200 contracted officers to patrol 15 key transit locations.
This change comes after controversy earlier in the year when video footage surfaced showing a violent incident involving guards from Allied Universal, the company previously contracted to provide security. The video sparked public criticism and raised concerns about the company’s $11 million deal with Metro Transit. In response, officials decided to replace Allied Universal with a new firm. Beginning next month, Inter-Con Security will take over under a new contract worth more than $57 million.
Joe Dotseth, interim chief of Metro Transit Police, emphasized that the agency expects all security personnel—both police officers and private guards—to prioritize calm and respectful interactions with the public. “We want our supplemental security to use de-escalation just like our officers do all the time,” he said. “De-escalation, de-escalation, de-escalation. That’s a priority.”
Dotseth has served as interim chief since Ernest Morales III resigned more than a year ago amid an internal investigation. Kandaras said that Metro Transit plans to post the position for a permanent police chief by the end of this month. “The police chief role is such an essential role at Metro Transit; it’s something we don’t want to rush into,” she explained.
As part of its long-term goals, Metro Transit aims to hire even more officers and other uniformed personnel in 2026 to ensure a visible and reassuring presence across the system. Leaders hope that the combination of increased staffing, improved training, and a renewed focus on community engagement will help make light rail travel feel safer for everyone.
Metro Transit’s renewed safety effort reflects an ongoing commitment to rebuilding public trust in the transit system. While the drop in crime is encouraging, officials say maintaining that progress will require continued collaboration between law enforcement, community partners, and the public.
