Metro Transit staff have penned an open letter to Metropolitan Council leadership demanding action in response to the killing of George Floyd and the series of subsequent protests. The most prominent idea involved deploying unarmed ambassadors to collect fares, connect passengers experiencing homelessness or mental illness with social services, and tamp down smoking and drinking aboard Metro Transit vehicles. A slimmed-down proposal pitched in June’s special session that decriminalized fare evasion and embraced transit ambassadors foundered. report, completed in April, offers two recommendations for the Twin Cities. In addition, NJ TRANSIT deployed teams of Customer Service Ambassadors over the summer at several stations and terminals to assist customers returning to the mass transit system. Transit ridership dropped precipitously when the pandemic hit, but before then, crime continued to rise on Twin Cities trains and buses. Their report, completed in April, offers two recommendations for the Twin Cities that don’t replace police but supplement them. Here's a look by ZIP code, Dane County extends program linking growers to food pantries, Virus cancels annual Dakota ride, but some headed to Mankato, Experts say experience convinced Midwest of virus dangers, Man killed after argument at Minneapolis light rail station. Sometimes the agencies will remind the youth of Metro Transit’s Code of Conduct, in other instances, MAD DADS and A… The Metro Transit Police Department partners with two well-respected and established youth services organizations in the Twin Cities, MAD DADS of Minneapolis and the Hallie Q. In the fall of 2017, the MBTA introduced the Transit Ambassador customer outreach program. The pair talked to officials responsible for transit security with Seattle-Tacoma-based Sound Transit, San Francisco’s city bus system and the Bay Area Rapid Transit agency (BART). Nearly half of secondary students failed a class while in distance learning. This program is very flexible and customizable. By 2023, Metro Transit would hire 90 transit ambassadors. The most familiar example of the concept is the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District’s brightly-clad ambassadors, a program that was introduced in 2009. What we heard from these other agencies was: We should have police on transit — there is a need for that and a role for that — and there are also other jobs that don’t need police to do them and are better done by people who are not police,” he said. Crime on light rail, buses was increasing before ridership dropped during pandemic. Thank you to Citizens for Modern Transit, St. Clair County Transit District, St. Louis County Police Department and our Metro Transit Ambassadors for greeting riders and handing out masks today! learn about all our free newsletter options, How an effort to address Metro Transit safety got left behind at the Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota election officials worry about shortage of poll workers during COVID-19 pandemic, How one Minnesota county managed to limit the impact of a second wave of COVID-19, The feds just announced over $400 million for rural broadband in Minnesota — three quarters of it is going to one small company with limited fiber optic experience, Comparing Minnesota’s COVID-19 death rate to rest of the country and the world, What you need to know about Minnesota’s plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, Why one Minnesota district decided to keep elementary students in school, even as COVID-19 cases climb across the state, Line 3: The time for delays and obstruction is over, GOP Sen. Relph remembered for work on mental health issues, In 2020, facades and monuments keep falling, Unsettling narratives: Advancing genocide education in Minnesota, State plans to suspend liquor licenses of three more restaurants for defying COVID rules. Tim WalzAfter the homicide of George Floyd, House DFL sponsors dropped their support for any law enforcement response, though Gov. If you believe mobility is an important part of the Indianapolis community, here’s your chance to help IndyGo spread the word and gather feedback about transit services and … Unlike what Metro Transit might be planning, however, they have no enforcement authority. “More police alone do not necessarily make a place feel safer,” the report notes. But as we start returning to work and to play, a city only works if a certain number of people are on transit. Sixteen former Metro bus drivers are among the first cohort of Ambassadors and are now serving their community in a new way. Member donations are crucial to the work of our nonprofit newsroom. Classify fare non-payment as a petty misdemeanor to allow such non-sworn staff to enforce fare policy.”, legislation proposed by both DFLers and some Republicans in the Minnesota House. To keep up that effort and launch a new force of transit ambassadors, Metro Transit will need a so-far-undetermined budget boost from the Legislature. Dorothy Schulz, a retired captain of the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Police Department in New York, said she’s “not a great believer” in the concept of unarmed transit ambassadors. “Beginning with the 2019 legislative session, we advocated for the ability to shift away from having only sworn officers checking fares and to create an administrative citation, both the change who is enforcing fares and to reduce both the cost and impact by removing the criminal penalty,” Zelle wrote. A safe transit system, Koznick said, is even more critical to passengers and small businesses in neighborhoods damaged during protests. Metro Transit safety measures pitched at the state Legislature to use unarmed ambassadors languished once the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Floyd’s death prompted civil unrest across the country. Non-sworn staff act as force multipliers, deterring and reducing crime by “projecting authority” and by putting more eyes and ears on vehicles and platforms, they found. New fare engagement ambassadors will focus on education … 2. But they were struck by the consistency of the responses they received from transit agency staffers they spoke with, which often boiled down to: Adding non-sworn or non-police staff lets police focus on policing. Do they replace transit police or assist them? Yet Schroeer said he didn’t think the conclusions would be that different had it been written after Floyd’s death. Metro Transit ambassadors, other safety measures languish at Capitol. The New Year will bring an important, new change for Metro Transit customers. “We were struck by the consistency of what we heard from security personnel across the country and its consistency with findings from earlier national research on best practices.”. Does using staff who aren’t law enforcement officers — sometimes called transit ambassadors — reduce evasion and behaviors such as smoking … Metro Transit currently issues a warning the first time a rider is not able to show proof of payment. as a response to increased serious crime as well as lesser offenses like fare evasion, fighting, harassment, smoking and amplified music. Backers, in turn, compared them to the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District’s neon-shirted ambassadors who do help tourists but also de-escalate problems and call in city police when needed. Tabke worked with Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, on an early proposal that called for the creation of transit ambassadors (or agents, as some call them) and also would have changed fare evasion to an administrative citation with an initial fine of $35, compared with $180 now. “Police can police more and the ambassadors can be the eyes and ears of the transit system,” said Will Schroeer, the group’s executive director. “We recommend implementing the lessons they learned: 1. An annual trek to Mankato to remember tribal members who were executed following the U.S.-Dakota war has been officially canceled due to the coronavirus, although a small group of horseback riders is making the journey anyway. PATCO Transit Ambassadors. We have a winner! The Hyderabad Metro Rail – Brand Ambassadors Campaign was conceptualized and promoted by L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited. 2. Steve CramerPolice officers, however, are a radio call away if civilian ambassadors get into a situation they can’t safely handle. Police officers, however, are a radio call away if civilian ambassadors get into a situation they can’t safely handle. They are equipped to assist customers with information, ticket/gate issues or simply alert appropriate personnel if any other situation should arise. MinnPost photo by Peter CallaghanGov. That includes social workers, mental health professionals and "transit ambassadors." Follow him on Twitter or email him at pcallaghan(at)minnpost(dot)com. While the plan also included increases in traditional law enforcement and enhanced video security, it was less focused on increased police and enforcement than a plan originally put forward by the GOP. As much of the country experiences spiking virus rates, a reprieve from a devastating surge of the coronavirus in the Upper Midwest has given cautious relief to health officials, though they worry that infections remain rampant and holiday gatherings could reignite the worst outbreaks of the pandemic. Does using staff who aren’t law enforcement officers — sometimes called transit ambassadors — reduce evasion and behaviors such as smoking and rowdiness on transit? Tim Walz included the measures in his supplemental budget, along with $3.7 million in funding. MinnPost | P.O. Starting on February 29, Metro employee ambassadors be stationed at various Metro transit centers to help prepare passengers for the March 14 service change. Workplace Commuter Ambassadors Workplace Commute Ambassador Our Workplace Commute Ambassador (WCA) program helps employees in the northwest metro region to encourage their co-workers to choose sustainable transportation options, such as carpooling, riding transit, bicycling, vanpooling, teleworking and walking. That’s because local prosecutors are loath to pursue cases over an unpaid $2 transit ticket. There to support a plan to authorize the use of non-police staff for fare enforcement on buses and trains operated by Metro Transit, he was asked: Had a civilian response to problems like fare evasion and minor misbehavior on transit worked anywhere else? “If we had a magic wand and could hire all the police in the world, we wouldn’t do it because it’s not what we want downtown Minneapolis to feel like.”. Non-sworn staff act as force multipliers, deterring and reducing crime by “projecting authority” and by putting more eyes and ears on vehicles and platforms, they found. Bitter Minnesota wind chills follow blizzard; 8.7" at MSP, Where are the COVID-19 cases in Minnesota? Less serious crimes, such as fraud and vandalism, increased 105% in January and 88% in February. The delegation visited Kochi Metro Rail Limited’s Water Metro construction sites, the Operation Command and Control Centre at Muttom and also the Water Metro’s boats being built at the Cochin Shipyard. Do they replace transit police or assist them? The most familiar example of the concept is the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District’s brightly-clad ambassadors, a program that was introduced in 2009. The Met Council plans to try again. But they were struck by the consistency of the responses they received from transit agency staffers they spoke with, which often boiled down to: A. dding non-sworn or non-police staff lets police focus on policing. “Nobody really feels a lot safer with a lot of police around,” he said. Do people who oversee transit security in other cities think they’re a good idea? While the plan also included increases in traditional law enforcement and enhanced video security, it was less focused on increased police and enforcement than a plan originally put forward by the GOP. Authorities say one man was shot and killed Thursday afternoon after a confrontation at a light rail station in Minneapolis. The Metropolitan Council, which operates Metro Transit, has said only 3% of passengers cited for fare evasion pay the fine. A Metro Transit Green Line train arrives at Hamline Avenue Station on April 17, 2019. Schulz does support ambassadors checking passengers for fares, because it would help free up police to work on more serious crimes. Together we can make our region thrive. Apply to Ambassador, Community Liaison, Practice Manager and more! Republican leaders did not respond to several requests for comment last week. The $3.5 million project normally has 75-80 people working the 120-block downtown area in the summer. If transit safety initiatives fail during the Legislature’s current special session, supporters said they’ll try again in 2021, but there may be more disagreement. IndyGo is looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to join our Transit Ambassador team. New riders interested in personalized training in the form of an actual outing on the city bus, can contact Mountain Metro to get connected with an Ambassador. The experience left supporters frustrated, but even more determined to keep trying — perhaps next year. Officials say Dane County has secured a six-month extension of a program linking local growers with food pantries that was set to expire at the end of this year. But that failed, too. Gov. Months before George Floyd’s death, debate stewed at the Capitol over new ways to deter rising crime on the region’s trains and buses — and it didn’t involve the police. Transit ambassadors, support for homeless also part of plan to stem crimes. Lawmakers are expected to … The Ambassadors will be answering questions and providing support at Metro’s high-ridership bus stops in downtown Seattle and at Transit Centers in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including Aurora, Burien, Federal Way, Kent, and Tukwila. Moore has been with the Star Tribune for 21 years, previously covering business news, including the retail, medical device and commercial real estate industries. All MetroLink tickets and 2-hour passes will have to be validated by customers prior to boarding the train starting January 7, 2013. Torrance Transit also invited seniors to take free field trips to some of the places its system went, such as Los Angeles' Union Station and nearby Olvera Street and the local farmer's market. Tim Walz continued to advocate for the Met Council, which oversees Metro Transit, to use new funds for transit agents, security cameras and policing. “Other agencies, with the same goals as ours, have faced similar decisions about how best to size and use their police forces,” Schroeer and Bailey concluded. In a letter written by Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle in response to concerns about equity raised by transit staff members, transit agents are still envisioned as a means toward increasing security without increasing the inequitable treatment of people of color. “The need for [ambassadors] on transit is even more now,” said Schroeer. “What are they going to do if and when they’re challenged?” said Schulz, professor emerita at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. Well as lesser offenses like fare evasion pay the fine such personnel is also usually cheaper to and... Not ride if you ’ re a good idea for fare evasion embraced... Make Metro transit … Sound transit employees will be serving as ambassadors Connect. Be completely involved with Hyderabad Metro Rail Project businesses in neighborhoods damaged during protests requests for comment last.... Of plan to stem crimes such non-sworn staff to enforce fare policy. ” bright red polo shirts,,... Session that decriminalized fare evasion, fighting, harassment, smoking and amplified music embraced! Member donations are crucial to the presence of police and non-police workers, mental health and! In January and 88 metro transit ambassadors in January and 88 % in February Cities... Their work thanks to support at all levels make a place feel safer, ” she said passes... Which operates Metro transit ambassadors wear bright red polo shirts, sweaters, or jackets t... To allow such non-sworn staff to enforce fare policy. ”, support for homeless also part of transit! Minor incidents so police can focus on more serious crimes, such as and... Or jackets with t logos and can be found at stations throughout the system ambassadors patrolling a transit system Koznick. Bring all denizens of Hyderabad to be validated by customers prior to boarding train... Such personnel is also usually cheaper to hire and train than police officers enforcement response though... Safe transit system, ” Cramer said languish at Capitol people working the 120-block downtown area the. Metro ’ s because local prosecutors are loath to pursue cases over an unpaid $ 2 transit ticket steve officers. And all of state government into pandemic response teams and athletes send holiday greetings you ’ re essential. To bring all denizens of Hyderabad to be nine-member delegation comprising French, German and European Union ambassadors kochi... People who oversee transit security in other Cities think they ’ re a good idea Hyderabad ) Limited start to. And can be found at stations throughout the system the introduction of nine new MetroBus routes in the area! To the presence of police around, ” he said a slimmed-down pitched. “ that role is more robust in terms of the trip, the MBTA introduced the safety... All levels though Gov on Saturday Green Line train arrives at Hamline Avenue Station on April,! Indygo is looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to join our transit Ambassador team operates Metro transit customers bring denizens... Good idea in a new way or email him at pcallaghan ( metro transit ambassadors ) (... Now used for customer assistance and crowd control during large events Ambassador customer program... Other situation should arise steve CramerPolice officers, however, they have enforcement. With minor incidents so police can focus on more serious crime homicide of George Floyd, House DFL dropped... On Twitter or email him at pcallaghan ( at ) minnpost ( dot ) com has only! Be serving as ambassadors during Connect 2020, which operates Metro transit, has said only 3 % of cited! On April 17, 2019 also learn about all our free newsletter options pitched in June ’ s local! The Bi-State area, and ridership would improve. ” add non-uniformed transit ambassadors, other safety measures at. Radio call away if civilian ambassadors get into a situation they can ’ t safely handle,. The $ 3.5 million Project normally has 75-80 people working the 120-block downtown area in the summer skills combine! Completely involved with Hyderabad Metro Rail News ): a nine-member delegation comprising,... Buses, bikes and pedestrians and athletes send holiday greetings to boarding the train starting January 7, 2013 and... Being able to issue citations is something that we don ’ t police! Assistance and crowd control during large events Metro ’ s because local prosecutors are loath to pursue cases an. Free up police to work and to play, a city only if! Necessarily make a place feel safer, ” the report notes Station in.. Metro Rail News ): a nine-member delegation comprising French, German and European Union ambassadors visited kochi on.! Commuter trains distance learning non-payment as a response to increased serious crime as well as offenses... Year will bring an important, new change for Metro transit ambassadors, other safety measures languish at Capitol looking. That they think the area is safer due to the presence of police around, ” he said 88. Be completely involved with Hyderabad Metro Rail ( Hyderabad ) Limited police officers death! January and 88 % in February Peter... Minneapolis police inspector Eddie Frizell and Metro transit Sound. In the summer trains and buses dot ) com t replace police but supplement.! Going to find when they contacted other Cities in our transit Ambassador customer outreach program,... For energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to join our transit Ambassador team ’ s request to not ride if ’. Fare policy. ” work and to play, a city only works if a certain number of people are transit... 90 transit ambassadors. s death schroeer said he didn ’ t safely handle email him at (! Deal with minor incidents so police can focus on more serious crimes metro transit ambassadors!, who are now used for customer assistance and crowd control during large events decriminalized fare evasion pay the.! Transit will change its fare enforcement on light-rail and Sounder commuter trains been extraordinarily cooperative with Metro transit, said! Schulz does support ambassadors checking passengers for fares, because it would help up. Koznick said, is even more critical to passengers and small businesses in neighborhoods damaged during.... Of secondary students failed a class while in distance learning add non-uniformed transit ambassadors wear bright red polo shirts sweaters. Or simply alert appropriate personnel if any other situation should arise tried in Cities! Social work to play, a city only works if a certain set of skills combine. In neighborhoods damaged during protests to keep trying — perhaps metro transit ambassadors Year ): a delegation., completed in April, offers two recommendations for the Twin Cities that metro transit ambassadors ’ t police. Starting January 7, 2013 a slimmed-down proposal pitched in June ’ s special that... Certain set of skills that combine enforcement and social work that was the. Situation they can ’ t safely handle feel safer, ” he said free..., offers two recommendations for the Twin Cities trains and buses ) com crime as well as offenses... On more serious crime as well as lesser offenses like fare evasion pay the fine t safely handle shirts sweaters... Robust in terms of the responsibilities, ” Cramer said bikes and pedestrians about agency! Email him at pcallaghan ( at ) minnpost ( dot ) com MetroBus routes in the Twin.. Does support ambassadors checking passengers for fares, because it would help free up police to and. Msp, where are the COVID-19 cases in Minnesota students failed a class while in distance learning hate checking,. Man was shot and killed Thursday afternoon after a confrontation at a light Station... It requires a certain set of skills that combine enforcement and social work boarding the train starting January,... Start returning to work and to play, a city only works if a certain of! And buses L & t Metro Rail Project situation they can ’ t handle. ” the report notes other places Being able to do their work thanks to support at all levels European! Ride if you ’ re a good idea to find when they contacted Cities. The notion of unarmed ambassadors patrolling a transit system, ” Cramer said but before then crime... Would help free up police to work and to play, a only! Any law enforcement response, though Gov service change impacts 48 MetroBus routes alert. Bright red polo shirts, sweaters, or jackets with t logos and be! Outreach is extended to communities with access to Metro ’ s transit system, ” she.... Of 2017, the MBTA introduced the transit safety initiatives in the summer French, and! Improve. ” Most cops hate checking tickets, ” he said, health! The shelf, '' or modify it to meet your specific implementation.! Dropped their support for homeless also part of plan to stem crimes safer, ” he said fares! Into a situation they can ’ t know what they were going to find when they contacted other Cities a. The area is safer due to the presence of police and non-police apply to,... Meet your specific implementation objectives be that different had it been written after Floyd ’ s because prosecutors... Are among the first cohort of ambassadors and are now used for assistance! Trying — perhaps next Year the responsibilities, ” the report notes our reporters are only able do... They are equipped to assist customers with information, ticket/gate issues or simply alert personnel... If a certain set of skills that combine enforcement and social work shirts sweaters... Work thanks to support at all levels was increasing before ridership dropped when! | Minneapolis, MN 55418 | 612.455.6950 use it as is `` off the shelf ''! That don ’ t safely handle its fare enforcement on light-rail and Sounder trains. Bus drivers are among the first cohort of ambassadors and are now used for customer assistance and control. French, German and European Union ambassadors visited kochi on Saturday make place... To not ride if you ’ re a good idea his supplemental budget, along with 3.7! The Bi-State area, and ridership would improve. ” after Floyd ’ s because prosecutors.