Metro Transit outlines layered safety plan, expands trip agents and supplemental security

Metro Transit officials gave the Public Health and Safety Committee an update Oct. 15 on implementation of a 43‑item Safety and Security Action Plan that the Metropolitan Council endorsed in 2022.

The presentation, led by Metro Transit General Manager Leslie Kenderas and Interim Chief Joe Dotseth, said the agency is adding layers of presence on the system — including supplemental contracted security, trip agents who issue administrative citations for fare noncompliance, community service officers, a real‑time information center and safety ambassadors — while continuing to support the Metro Transit Police Department.

The plan grew out of a Metropolitan Council review that began in 2020. Kenderas said the agency now deploys multiple types of personnel so sworn officers can focus on serious public‑safety incidents. "Safety is not just a priority at Metro Transit. It's a core component of how we do our work," Kenderas said.

Nut graf: Metro Transit said the combination of more visible staffing, targeted enforcement and social‑service connections aims to reduce both serious crime and the lower‑level "quality of life" offenses that most affect riders' perceptions. The agency presented staffing, pilot results and next steps for expanding contracts and internal hiring.

What Metro Transit told the committee - System size and context: Metro Transit said it serves 65 communities and operates buses, light rail and commuter rail with thousands of employees and thousands of stops. Ridership and trip purpose have shifted since the pandemic, and the agency called the action plan central to adapting to those changes. - Layers of presence: Since 2022 the agency added contracted supplemental security (currently at 9 locations, planned expansion to 16), trip agents under the Transit Rider Investment Program, community service officers (a non‑sworn cadet pipeline), a real‑time information center monitoring cameras, and safety ambassadors in coordination with local business improvement districts. - Trip agents: Metro Transit reported just under 80 trip agents now (mix of employees and contractors), with a goal of about 100 by year‑end and a proposed 2026 budget request that would add 57 more. Trip agents inspect fares, issue administrative citations for noncompliance and receive de‑escalation and first‑aid training; they also carry naloxone (Narcan). - Police staffing and organization: Interim Chief Joe Dotseth said the transit police strength is trending up: 113 sworn officers on record against 171 authorized, with five additional officers starting this month (projected 118 sworn officers by month‑end). The department reported 28 community service officers, authorized up to 50, and expects about 40 by year‑end. - Crime and enforcement trends: Dotseth said serious crime on the transit system is "very low" and decreased about 13 percent in the most recent quarter the Metropolitan Council reviewed. He emphasized that most reported incidents are lower‑level offenses such as smoking, trespass and vandalism, which drive rider perception. Directed patrols increased substantially year over year, which the department said is desirable because it reflects proactive presence. - Local initiative: The Safe and Strong University Avenue pilot in Saint Paul combined focused enforcement, social‑services outreach and prosecutorial coordination. Metro Transit said results there included 1,312 homeless action team contacts, 5,633 directed patrols, 6,877 officer‑initiated calls and limited arrests and citations; agency presentations described the initiative as a model for partnership‑based responses.

Committee questions and responses Committee members asked about formalization of interagency partnerships, how Metro Transit balances contracted and in‑house services, expansion of safety ambassador programs in Minneapolis, and the role of plain‑clothed operations. Kenderas and Dotseth said partnerships are often formalized through joint powers agreements with local agencies, that some programs are blended (mix of employees and contractors) and that the agency is working with Minneapolis and Saint Paul business improvement organizations to expand safety ambassadors. Dotseth confirmed the department conducts plain‑clothes details as part of its enforcement strategy.

Why it matters Metro Transit emphasized that visible, multi‑layered presence and social‑service connections are intended to improve both safety and the rider experience. The agency tied future expansions to staffing and budget decisions, including a 2026 Metropolitan Council budget proposal that would add trip agents.

Looking ahead Metro Transit said it will continue quarterly reporting to the Metropolitan Council on action‑plan implementation and expects to finalize details for a new supplemental security contract and continued expansion of community service officers, trip agents and social‑service vendor contracts for 2026.