This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
11/7/2025
Valley Metro in Phoenix and the Toronto Transit Commission each reported increased rider satisfaction with security presence since the transit agencies implemented more partnerships with police.
Valley Metro's rider experience has improved since 2022. According to a recent study conducted with input from more than 1,100 riders across the transit agency's streetcar, light rail and bus services, riders note improvements to security, cleanliness and rider behavior, Valley Metro officials said in a press release.
Since 2022, Valley Metro has increased the presence of its field security officers in stations, trains and park-and-rides by 40%. The transit agency has also strengthened partnerships with local law enforcement agencies. According to agency security data, the average rate of rail "security incidents" decreased by 54% between fiscal year 2025 and FY24.
The survey, finalized this month, reports that 81% of all transit riders feel very secure or secure, compared to 71% in 2022; and 61% of riders reported seeing more security on transit, compared to 52% in 2022.
Meanwhile, the TTC's 2024-2028 community safety, security and well-being plan was approved this week by the commission's board. The plan calls for a mass increase to its existing security presence. The plan is largely funded by a $31 million investment in the TTC 2025 budget by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, TTC officials said in a press release.
The commission intends to increase the presence of TTC staff, outreach workers and crisis teams, safety ambassadors, security guards and police, as it takes steps to address fare evasion and nontransit activity while recognizing challenges that violators may be facing, TTC officials said.
Since the TTC initiated the multidisciplinary approach to safety and security, offenses committed against riders have gone down 28% since December 2022 and against employees by 38% since January 2023. Rider complaints related to safety have dropped by 56% since January 2023, and rider satisfaction with personal safety has risen from 57% to 64% between 2023 and 2025.