Metro Transit has received a national award for its efforts to improve safety, security and cleanliness on the Twin Cities light-rail system.
The American Public Transportation Association presented Metro Transit with a Gold Award in its Safe, Effective and Clean category for light rail and streetcar systems. Agency leaders accepted the honor June 30 at the association’s rail conference in Baltimore.
The award recognizes work connected to Metro Transit’s Safety and Security Action Plan, which was developed after a Metropolitan Council work group gathered feedback from riders, employees and community partners in 2022. The plan includes more than 40 actions focused on improving conditions, supporting employees and increasing engagement with riders and partner organizations.
A central part of the strategy has been increasing the number of visible personnel aboard trains and at stations. Metro Transit police officers, community service officers and Transit Rider Investment Program agents are now present on more than 40% of light-rail trips, according to the agency. Supplemental security and community partners also have been added to the system.
Metro Transit said the work has coincided with higher customer satisfaction, improved perceptions of safety, fewer serious crimes, fewer complaints and property-damage incidents, and more fare inspections.
General Manager Lesley Kandaras said the award recognizes progress but does not mean the agency’s work is complete. Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Chair Reva Chamblis said riders and workers had asked for a more inclusive and accountable approach to safety.
The action plan and related updates are available through Metro Transit’s website at metrotransit.org.
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