The two cities launched targeted efforts to improve security and offer supportive services to transit users.
Reported crime on Minneapolis Metro Transit fell by 17.5 percent in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year while ridership rose by 9 percent, reports Christopher Carey in Cities Today. “Metro Transit’s Safety & Security Action Plan – which was endorsed by the Met Council in June 2022 –includes more than 40 ‘action items’” including a new Transit Rider Investment Program (TRIP) that deploys agents at rail stations, “resiliency, de-escalation and crisis intervention training” for transit operators, and hiring more staff.
The agency also contracted with local non-profit organizations to offer supportive resources to riders. “During the past year, Metro Transit says the agencies have connected with around 6,700 individuals and made around 3,800 referrals.”
In New York City, crime on the subway network decreased by 15 percent in June 2024 compared to the same period last year. “The reduction in crime has been attributed to an additional 1,000 police officers patrolling the subway system since February, and the introduction of “Operation Fare Play” in March which cracked down on passengers not paying their fare when entering the network.”
FULL STORY: California bill aims to speed up tiny homes amid homelessness and housing crisis
Twin Cities Transit Agency Launches Safety Initiatives
The agency is pairing with nonprofit partners to provide on-site services and resources to riders and boosting fare enforcement without police involvement.
Report: Transit Safety Begins With Better Service
Transit riders want more frequent service, less police.
Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
How Atlanta Built 7,000 Housing Units in 3 Years
The city’s comprehensive, neighborhood-focused housing strategy focuses on identifying properties and land that can be repurposed for housing and encouraging development in underserved neighborhoods.
In Both Crashes and Crime, Public Transportation is Far Safer than Driving
Contrary to popular assumptions, public transportation has far lower crash and crime rates than automobile travel. For safer communities, improve and encourage transit travel.
Report: Zoning Reforms Should Complement Nashville’s Ambitious Transit Plan
Without reform, restrictive zoning codes will limit the impact of the city’s planned transit expansion and could exclude some of the residents who depend on transit the most.
Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.
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