King County Metro Transit is looking to rebuild ridership as pandemic restrictions ease after losing half its 400,000 daily customers. Safety is part of the solution.
In the future, teams of helpers might meet King County Metro Transit buses at the end of their trips, to coax so-called "non-destinational riders" into accepting social services without a confrontation.
Officials hope the program improves conditions for transit operators, who now make stressful decisions about whether to disturb somebody who might be experiencing a drug overdose, easily enraged or simply seeking warmth in the night. If roving responders persuade someone in crisis to leave, that lessens the need to involve police.
Have more mobility news that we should be reading and sharing? Let us know! Reach out to Sage Kashner (kashner@ctaa.org).
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