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Transit riders, advocates tell Detroit council metal detectors and bans on sitting are turning transit centers into barriers
Summary
Riders and transit advocates told the Public Health & Safety committee that private security and newly installed metal detectors at Rosa Parks and Jason Hargrove transit centers are denying people indoor waiting access, raising concerns about safety, civil liberties and impacts on seniors and people with disabilities. Council members said they would raise the issue with DDOT and some contracts on today’s agenda.
Dozens of transit riders and advocates urged the Detroit Public Health & Safety standing committee on Monday to investigate new security measures at the Rosa Parks and Jason Hargrove transit centers, saying private guards and metal detectors have resulted in riders being told they cannot sit inside while they wait for infrequent buses.
Joel Batterman, campaigns manager for Transportation Riders United, told the committee that every person entering the indoor portion of the centers is being searched by private security and that guards have been instructing riders they cannot wait inside. He said the measures do not improve rider safety, criminalize transit users and will deter ridership, especially harming seniors and people with disabilities who sometimes wait an hour between buses. "Denying transit riders access to a warm…
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