Metro Reports Decrease in Crime for Second Straight Year

Violent crime on LA's bus and rail system down 6.7% in 2025 as customer satisfaction with safety reaches record highs.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:31am

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Metro, Los Angeles' public transit agency, announced that violent crime on its bus and rail system decreased by 6.7% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching the lowest level since 2021. The agency touted that violent crime has decreased for the second consecutive year, with customer satisfaction with safety measures also reaching record highs.

Why it matters

Metro's focus on public safety, including strengthening access controls, expanding frontline presence, and building a new Department of Public Safety, has led to measurable improvements in rider experience and perceptions of safety on the transit system. This is crucial for maintaining and growing ridership in a major metropolitan area.

The details

Metro reported a 33% decrease in crimes such as trespassing, narcotics, and weapons, while crimes against property like theft and vandalism remained relatively flat. The agency completed the installation of bus driver barriers in 2024, resulting in a 50.5% year-over-year reduction in bus operator assaults. Metro has also expanded fare gate pilot programs and opened a new Emergency Security Operations Center to bolster safety and preparedness.

  • In 2025, violent crime on Metro's system decreased by 6.7% compared to 2024.
  • Metro's customer satisfaction rate stood at 87% in October 2025, which officials attribute to a cleaner and safer system.
  • Metro completed the installation of bus driver barriers in 2024, resulting in a 50.5% year-over-year reduction in bus operator assaults.
  • In March 2025, Metro launched a pilot program installing taller fare gates at 22 of its stations, leading to a 69% decline in security incidents, vandalism/graffiti, and cleanliness-related reports.
  • In April 2025, Metro opened its 26,000-square-foot Emergency Security Operations Center.

The players

Fernando Dutra

Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Councilman.

Stephanie Wiggins

Metro CEO.

William "Bill" Scott

Former San Francisco Police Chief and inaugural chief of police and emergency management for Metro's new Department of Public Safety.

Los Angeles Police Department

Law enforcement agency that has increased presence on Metro's system.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Law enforcement agency that has increased presence on Metro's system.

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What they’re saying

“The Metro Board has made public safety our highest priority, and we are seeing measurable returns on those investments.”

— Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Councilman

“Our riders are telling us they feel the difference. They see a more visible presence, stronger access controls and teams ready to help. Safety and customer experience go hand in hand, and our 2025 results show that when we invest in both, we create a transit system people can trust.”

— Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO

“While we continue to contract with LAPD and LASD, we are simultaneously building a new Department of Public Safety that will balance the enforcement work of sworn officers with transit security officers and care-based services, such as homeless outreach workers, community intervention specialists, licensed social and psychological clinicians, peer support specialists and ambassadors. Through this integrated public safety ecosystem, we are transforming safety across our transit system.”

— William "Bill" Scott, Chief of Police and Emergency Management, Metro Department of Public Safety

What’s next

Metro plans to install taller fare gates at an additional six stations this spring as part of its efforts to crack down on fare evasion and improve safety.

The takeaway

Metro's comprehensive approach to public safety, including investments in access controls, frontline presence, and an integrated public safety department, has led to tangible improvements in rider experience and perceptions of safety on the transit system. This demonstrates that a multi-faceted strategy focused on both enforcement and community-based services can effectively address crime and enhance the overall transit experience.