Trolley of the San Diego Metropolitan Transportation System in downtown San Diego. (FOX5/KUSI)
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System launched a new initiative Thursday to expand security for passengers on the city's trolley and bus systems.
The security enhancements approved by the MTS Board of Directors last year are just one of several improvements officials have announced they plan to implement in the coming months to increase public transit ridership. .
“We want to show our appreciation to MTS riders by letting them know that we are listening to their suggestions to improve the riding experience on our systems,” said MTS Board Chair. San Diego City Councilman Stephen Whitburn said in a statement.
The 2022 Passenger Satisfaction Survey guided MTS' efforts to improve the passenger experience on its transportation network. According to the agency, survey respondents said safety is their top concern about riding MTS buses and trolleys.
In response to the investigation, the MTS Board of Directors voted to spend an additional $4.2 million to hire nearly 40 new security guards to monitor trains and patrol stations.
These “code compliance inspectors” wear neon yellow uniforms and plain clothes and are stationed on buses, trolleys, and stations. In addition to increasing its visible presence, MTS says the additional personnel will help reduce response time to incidents reported to the transit system.
In addition to beefing up security, MTS officials have set up security outposts at busy stations like 12th and Imperial stations to allow teams to remain on-site longer, and to allow for “shift changes and breaks.” You won't have to go all the way back for things like that.” Administrative tasks. ”
The transit agency has also consolidated its 24/7 security hotline into one number. Riders will now be able to report incidents on transit buses and trains by calling or texting 619-595-4960.
“Our goal is to make the transportation service provided by MTS the safest in the country,” said Tim Kahn, MTS Director of Transportation Security and Passenger Safety. “Whether you are a rider by choice or rely on MTS to get to work, school, medical appointments, or other locations, we are here to serve you. I'm here.”
Going forward, MTS will implement additional changes to its service, including the introduction of 24-hour bus service between downtown and the border, the introduction of all-day 15-minute service on three trolley lines, and the expansion of service spans on other “popular routes.” It's a schedule. ”
But MTS says the next changes riders can expect are improvements to stops and stations, such as new shades and lighting, and the introduction of new tap payment technology to pay bus and trolley fares in April. Says.
The one-tap payment system will help resolve passenger frustrations with issues with the existing digital ticketing app PRONTO.
MTS said ticket validation and other issues led to a $3 million drop in fare revenue in 2022, and in the same year, a coalition of frequent transit riders sent a letter to the agency expressing concerns about the app. The company reportedly requested that payment be considered. Alternative proposal.
“These are just some of the improvements we are making to make this a better year for transportation,” MTS CEO Sharon Cooney said at a press conference Thursday. “(We're) trying to make (MTS) faster, cleaner and more powerful.”
