Parents urge Metro Nashville to enhance bus stop security after violent incidents

In a recent meeting of the Metro Transit Authority in Nashville, parents voiced urgent concerns about the safety of their children using public transportation. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as several parents shared alarming experiences that highlighted the need for immediate action to enhance security measures at bus stops, particularly following a shooting incident that occurred last November.

Ben Tran, chair of the Metro Human Relations Commission and a concerned parent, opened the discussion by recounting his son’s unsettling experiences while commuting home from school. Tran emphasized the importance of public transportation for fostering independence among children but stressed that safety must be prioritized. “Every day that something doesn't happen is another day that our kids risk seeing something violent,” he stated, urging collaboration among local authorities to implement both immediate and long-term safety solutions.

Stephanie Levinson echoed these sentiments, sharing a personal account of her daughter being assaulted at a bus stop. She called for an increased physical presence of security personnel, arguing that while technology plays a role in safety, it cannot replace the reassurance provided by human oversight. “Having more presence physically available would be very beneficial to everyone that uses the system,” she said.

Jennifer Sheets, another parent, recounted a similar incident involving her son, who was present during the assault on Levinson's daughter. She highlighted the lack of security at bus stops, particularly at the downtown terminal, which is often frequented by students. Sheets urged for a collaborative effort among the Metro Nashville Public Schools, the police, and the mayor’s office to develop a comprehensive safety plan.

Lisonbee Schechter shared her son’s experiences, noting that the joy of riding the bus has been overshadowed by fears of violence. She criticized the lack of communication from school officials following the November shooting, calling for a clear action plan to ensure the safety of students using public transit.

Darius Knight, a transit advocate, acknowledged the concerns raised by parents and emphasized the challenges faced by the Metro Nashville Police Department and transit staff due to labor shortages. He encouraged parents to remain vigilant and report any incidents, assuring them that the transit staff is committed to addressing these safety issues.

As the meeting progressed, board members discussed operational challenges, including rising overtime costs attributed to staffing shortages. The need for a strategic approach to fill these gaps was recognized as essential for improving overall safety and service reliability.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from transit officials to explore solutions that would enhance security for Nashville’s youth, ensuring that public transportation remains a safe and viable option for families. The voices of concerned parents have sparked a critical dialogue about the safety of public transit, underscoring the urgent need for action in the face of rising violence.