Residents urge DeKalb to spend FTA transit security funds on lighting and shelters; transit manager defends police ride‑alongs and bus purchase

Public comment at the Jan. 27 DeKalb City Council meeting focused on a planned use of up to $50,000 in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 funds for transit security, with several residents urging the city to invest in lighting, shelters and other station amenities instead of paying officers to ride buses.

“I genuinely don't think having police patrols on the buses will ingratiate the police to the community. I think it will scare the community,” said Alicia Iverson, who delivered a packet of materials to council members and recommended lighting stops, cameras, emergency telephones or transit ambassadors as alternatives to police overtime.

Other public commenters expressed similar concerns. Chris David Falco, who identified himself as a lifelong county resident, told the council that DeKalb Transit “does not presently see significant reports of crime or disturbances on transit routes,” and…