Overall crime is down, but that doesn't help transit riders feel safer

By some measures, the Twin Cities' two light-rail transit lines have been highly successful. Ridership numbers have been strong as more commuters have opted for trains over cars. The Green Line between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul carries an average 43,642 passengers on weekdays. The Blue Line, running from downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America, has average weekday ridership of 30,767.

Still, the success of the two lines is jeopardized by crime and livability offenses that too often cause alarm among light-rail passengers. Metro Transit Police reported that the number of serious crimes — robberies, threats and assaults — fell from 278 in 2014 to 233 last year. But officials also tracked a significant increase in livability calls for intoxicated riders, passengers sleeping on trains and disorderly conduct.

Those incidents and other behaviors understandably make passengers feel unsafe. And that can drive away riders who have other transportation options.

To address safety concerns — real and perceived — Metro Transit Police, in cooperation with other local law enforcement, have increased the number of security cameras and added staff to monitor those cameras. They're also using digital signs and PA systems to alert passengers to safety concerns and have installed emergency call boxes to allow riders to report suspicious activity. The addition of the Green Line in 2014 also prompted the hiring of 20 additional transit cops.

Expansion of some of those efforts and perhaps new approaches are needed to help riders feel less fearful of criminal and intimidating behavior. Understanding that sworn officers cannot be in every car, more partnerships are needed with groups such as St. Paul's community ambassadors and MAD DADS in Minneapolis.

Since taking over five years ago, Metro Transit Police Chief John Harrington said he's made it a mission for the department to get better at data-driven policing. That initiative has produced more information about hot spots along the lines that need more surveillance and a greater patrol presence. They include downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul stations, the Snelling and University avenues intersection in St. Paul and Lake Street and Franklin stations.

Another concern for Metro Transit and its riders is the number of homeless people who sleep on the trains. Each night, a recent Star Tribune story reported, dozens of passengers sleep on Metro Transit trains and buses or in transit shelters — especially during the cold winter months. It's not a crime to sleep on public transportation, and most who do so are paying customers, according to police. The problem calls for a humane response to help the homeless find more appropriate shelter.