**Los Angeles Metro Member’s Fearful Admission: ‘I Wouldn’t Ride the System Alone’**
**A Cry for Help: Metro Declares Public Safety Emergency**
In a startling admission that underscores the gravity of the public safety crisis engulfing the Los Angeles Metro, board member Kathryn Barger has declared, “I am afraid and I will not ride our transit system by myself.” The somber statement was delivered during a board meeting Thursday, where the transit agency’s Board of Directors took the unprecedented step of declaring a public safety emergency.
The harrowing announcement comes amid a string of violent attacks that have left a trail of terror on the city’s public transportation system. On Monday, a 67-year-old woman was brutally stabbed to death in Studio City. Earlier in the month, a bus driver was viciously attacked in Willowbrook, and another man was stabbed in the Silver Lake neighborhood.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Metro Board has approved a slew of safety measures:
- Increased Security Cameras: The number of surveillance cameras throughout the transit system will be significantly expanded.
- Facial Recognition: Cutting-edge facial recognition technology will be implemented to identify and apprehend suspects.
- Problematic Individuals Ban: The Board is considering banning individuals with a history of disruptive or violent behavior from the Metro system altogether.
**Barger’s Fear Reflects a City in Crisis**
Barger’s admission of fear is not just an isolated sentiment; it mirrors the apprehension felt by many Angelenos who rely on public transportation. The recent spate of attacks has shattered the perceived safety of the Metro system, leaving riders feeling vulnerable and exposed.
**Immediate and Long-Term Solutions**
While the Metro Board’s emergency measures are a necessary first step, they are only a temporary bandage on a festering wound. To address the root causes of public transportation safety concerns, a multifaceted approach is required.
It encompasses increased funding for mental health services, affordable housing initiatives to address homelessness, and a comprehensive plan to deter and apprehend repeat offenders. The Metro system is a lifeline for millions of Angelenos, and ensuring its safety is paramount.
**A Call to Action**
Barger’s poignant statement should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders. The time for complacency is over. It’s time for concerted action to restore the safety and security of our public transportation network.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
