San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), owner-manager of the city’s trolley network, reported a slight increase in the number of crimes committed in 2007 aboard and around the trolleys.
Last year, MTS trolleys carried more than 36.8 million people. During that time, there were 173 reports of incidents including theft (83), robbery (41), aggravated assault (25) and auto theft (22). There was one homicide at an MTS parking lot and one burglary. No rapes or arsons were reported. Of the 108 thefts and aggravated assaults in 2007, 43 were committed against trolley security staff or trolley property. The figures translate to 0.47 incidents per 100,000 passengers, an increase of less than 1 percent from the 0.44 incidents recorded in 2006.
“While the 2007 rate increased slightly from last year, MTS is still 23 percent lower than the incident rate in 2002,” said Paul Jablonski, MTS chief executive officer.
The network includes 53 miles of double track and 54 trolley stations. MTS plans to expand its safety and security efforts this year. Projects include the addition of two transit centers with security camera capabilities, bringing to 21 the total number of stations with closed-circuit television security cameras.
The MTS SafeWatch line, (619) 557-4545, links directly to trolley operation control, where security teams can be dispatched and trolley operators alerted. For more information on MTS, visit www.sdmts.com or contact 511.