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Task force backs safety and cleanliness measures, funds for operator protection and training
Summary
Task force members voted to advance a set of safety and cleanliness recommendations including protective barriers, improved lighting and communication systems, expanded coordination with health and human-services agencies, and dedicated funding for de-escalation and violence-mitigation training specific to transit employees.
The Transit Transformation Task Force voted on a package of measures aimed at improving safety and cleanliness for transit riders and frontline workers.
Caltrans staff summarized the recommendations, which included installing physical protective measures for bus operators, improved lighting and surveillance at stations, emergency communications systems, and expanded coordination with health and human services agencies for responses to people experiencing homelessness or behavioral crises. Hunter Owens said the recommendations came from technical working groups and subject-matter experts who repeatedly raised safety and passenger perception as barriers to ridership.
Task force members voted in favor of four discrete actions on protective infrastructure and communications (items J1'J4), increased presence of safety professionals and expanded coordination with health and human services (K1'K2), state-level coordination measures (L1'L5) and dedicated funding for safety and security measures (M1'M3). The votes passed by roll call; motions were made and seconded in each instance.
James Lindsay of the Amalgamated Transit Union urged caution in selecting operator protective doors that do not create sight-line hazards for drivers. "Just make sure that we're not creating a bigger problem by the protective doors by creating glares that the operators can't see," he said.
Several members raised the need for guidance and funding for smaller agencies to implement recommendations. Michael Pimentel of the California Transit Association urged dedicated funding for implementation and said agencies need clear legal authority to issue and enforce prohibition orders against repeat offenders.
The task force also highlighted equity and accessibility concerns: public commenters urged that paratransit and accessible transportation be included in safety planning, and suggested better data and inventories of ADA features at stops so riders can plan trips reliably.
Why it matters: Transit agencies report rising operator assaults and ridership perception issues; staff and advocates told the task force that a mix of infrastructure, staffing and better coordination with social services can help improve safety and rider confidence. Members asked for dedicated funding so recommendations do not become unfunded mandates.
What was decided: The task force approved the staff recommendations in principle and instructed staff to refine language and take implementation details (including funding paths and legal authorities) into account when preparing final report materials.
