St. Paul, MN - Starting tomorrow, as part of the Transit Rider Investment Program (TRIP), one of several transit safety initiatives championed by State Representative Brad Tabke (DFL - Shakopee), a new team of TRIP Agents will begin traveling on METRO Green and Blue lines, assisting riders.
“The light rail lines are a key part of our transit system in the metro, whether you’re using them for a daily commute or as part of your journey to a concert or a sporting event, but they need to be better. We listened to Minnesotans last session and ensured safety is at the forefront of our efforts to improve these lines,” said Rep. Tabke, who serves as Vice Chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. “We’re making progress, and this next phase in our transit safety plan will continue to build a better riding experience for Minnesotans.”
Duties assigned to Transit Rider Investment Program (TRIP) Agents who will ride the METRO Green and Blue lines include:
- Inspecting fares and issuing administrative citations for fare non-payment
- Educating riders about “Your Role As a Rider,” which outlines illegal activities like smoking and behaviors that violate Metro Transit’s Code of Conduct, such as playing loud music
- Providing information about routes and schedules
- Sharing information about social service programs
- Administering first aid and Narcan
Metro Transit police officers and Community Service Officers (CSOs), supplemental security officers, and representatives from 10 community-based organizations are also present on vehicles and at stations.
For the next several weeks, TRIP Agents will ride alongside CSOs who have been inspecting fares and issuing administrative citations since Dec. 4, 2024. This spring, CSOs will transition to Bus Rapid Transit lines to perform similar duties.
Ridership on METRO transit grew 16% from 2022 to 2023 while reported crime on transit dropped 25% from the first to last quarter of 2023. More information on TRIP and transit safety measures can be found here.
PHOTO: Rep. Tabke alongside TRIP Agents
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