To the editor: Metro needs its own police force. The transit system has little control over security because it contracts with multiple public and private agencies, each with its own chain of command and protocol. (“Metro police 'surge' is not the long-term solution Los Angeles needs for safer buses and trains,” editorial, May 28)
Metro has recently talked about imposing a “unified command” approach while keeping all of its contracted security. This works well for an emergency response, but not for an ongoing operation like surveillance of the Metro system.
The best solution is for Metro to have its own police. You wouldn't need helicopters, SWAT teams, mounted officers, or all the other specialties of a large metropolitan police department. It should only pay for a force that can effectively patrol our stations, trains and buses.
We want a transit police department whose only job is to keep us safe throughout the Metro system.
Carina Lister, Long Beach
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To the editor: I have no solution, just one observation regarding public transportation here in the USA.
I travel to Switzerland often. I don't see police or security ambassadors patrolling buses and trains there. I see young schoolchildren using public transport without their parents in sight. The environment is clean. No one there shows any sign of nervousness when boarding public transportation.
Last month, on a two-week trip to Switzerland, I used public transportation almost daily. This contrast between that country and ours is stark.
To borrow a phrase from Martin Luther King Jr., I have a dream.
Reinhold Bauer, Westminster
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To the editor: In my opinion, safety in the Metro subway system depends on only paying users being allowed on the platforms and cars.
A wall with ticketing staff would work much better than turnstiles that can be bypassed.
Connie Elliot, Pomona
