Houston METRO Expands Bus Safety Initiative

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston METRO), TX, is expanding its Bus Safety Initiative by increasing METRO Police Department (MPD) officer presence across the transit system. The focus of the initiative is to improve safety and provide a welcoming environment for customers, drivers, and employees.

MPD Chief Ban Tien, assistant chiefs, lieutenants, and sergeants have committed to spending at least four hours each week riding METRO buses. As of September 1, all other sworn personnel, including officers assigned to specialized units and administrative roles, are spending at least two hours each week riding buses as part of their regular on-duty assignments.

“Safety starts with being present, visible, and connected to the people we serve,” said Chief Tien. “When our officers ride alongside our customers and operators, we have an opportunity to listen, build relationships, and provide an added sense of security. Our leadership should set that example, which is why you will see members of our command team and me out there.”

Other recent agency safety initiatives include the opening of three new police substations and expanded partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to provide additional officer presence along the METRORail Red Line during peak travel times. METRO wants its customers to know that “MPD officers are riding with you.”