All passengers of the Minnesota Metro Transit System are reminded to be careful.
Metro Transit, the Twin Cities transit system that covers Minneapolis and St. Paul has decided to post signs outside its light rail stations and bus stops reminding riders of unacceptable and illegal behavior.
Metro Transit posted on the X platform that “Signs highlighting the expectations we hold of riders will now be installed at light rail stations and bus rapid transit stops.” “Those who do not follow these rules will be ejected from transit property.”
Metro Transit’s website also offers a detailed look at the proper way to behave in public transportation.
It states that “Transit vehicles, facilities, and services are shared spaces and come with shared responsibility.” You are responsible for ensuring a safe, clean transit experience.
Passengers are reminded not to spit or sexually abuse a fellow passenger, nor should they vandalize the bus, take drugs, or interfere with the driver.
Other prohibited behaviors include eating, using vulgar language, and soliciting loudly on the telephone.
Signs outlining the expectations we have of riders are now being installed at light rail and bus rapid transit stations. Those who violate these rules will be removed from transit property. 👀
Review the rules here: https://t.co/VfYrdqp9BV pic.twitter.com/CaiS5lYaps
— Metro Transit (@MetroTransitMN) January 24, 2024
These warnings are not unusual in an area that is heavily Democratic, such as Minneapolis-St Paul. This was the site of the Black Lives Matter riots in the United States, which dominated headlines in 2020.
Alpha News reported last year that Metropolitan Airports Commission Vice President Mitch Kilian described to legislators the “incredible amount” of “open drug usage” on the Metro Transit System.
“And it is not marijuana use.” He said, “It’s crack or things of that nature.” “Open pipe smoking in front of our passengers is something we see all the time.”
Kilian revealed that after the testimony detailing the deteriorating condition of the network, there was an “enormous increase” in complaints about these issues from passengers.
Kilian stated, “We hear these stories regularly at the airport from both our employees and light rail passengers.” The number of safety complaints has increased dramatically since 2018.
The Star-Tribune reported in November that the crime rate on the transit system has “stabilized” despite an increase of 33 percent year-on-year.
The police attribute this increase to more proactive efforts in law enforcement throughout the system. This means that cops are increasingly cracking down on common crimes such as drug violations and trespassing.
Metro Transit has been working to increase ridership in the wake of the pandemic. It has implemented a variety of safety measures over the last year. These include hiring non-profit social service agencies to help passengers who are in need and partnering with local police departments.
Ernest Morales, Chief of Metro Transit Police, stated at the time that “We are changing the paradigm for how we conduct business”. “We have a long way to go.” “While numbers are important, perceptions are also crucial.”
