Chief
06-15-2008, 06:04 AM
http://www.columbian.com/opinion/news/2008/06/06152008_In-our-view-Security-Is-crucial.cfm
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The assault of a Vancouver woman when she was riding the MAX light-rail in North Portland last week has again illustrated the need for aggressive security on the trains and on the platforms, as well as for vigilant ticket-checking to discourage no-pay riders.
The incident is also a public relations blow to TriMet and its trains at a time gas prices are prompting more commuters to consider mass transit. And, it likely will reinforce negative feelings among those in Clark County who oppose extension of light rail into Vancouver on a new Interstate 5 bridge.
Safety of riders on any mass transit system is a legitimate concern. TriMet has made strides in beefing up security in recent months, and there’s more it can do. But some perspective also is in order.
First, there’s concern about crime and safety just about everywhere: high school football games, outdoor concerts, highways where road-ragers roam, strip malls and convenience stores. And it’s almost summer, so let’s not overlook campgrounds occupied by loudmouths more interested in beer than trees, trails and mountains. To some degree all of these venues are only reflections of society as a whole.
Second, there are more riders these days, and thus greater chances for uncivil conduct. In May, TriMet trains and buses provided 8.9 million rides, an increase of 4.4 percent over May 2007. The weekday average for light-rail alone in May was 112,100.
On Monday, the 28-year-old Vancouver woman was riding MAX for the first time, according to The Oregonian, when she attempted to intercede on behalf of another woman rider who was being harassed by five African-American teenagers. As the train continued along North Interstate Avenue, the teens shouted racial insults at the Vancouver woman, who is white, and punched her. When the train stopped at Prescott Street, the teens grabbed her purse and fled.
“It was completely traumatizing and absolutely horrifying for me,” the victim told The Oregonian.
The good news is that security cameras at the platform recorded the young hoodlums as they ran away. By Friday, all five suspects had been arrested.
This was the fifth violent incident since November on or near the trains, two in Gresham, one near Beaverton and two in North Portland. Since last fall, TriMet has beefed up security. According to spokeswoman Mary Fetsch, at this time last year TriMet had about 25 uniformed, gun-carrying commissioned police on its payroll. Today it has 41, and two more are to be hired by July 1. TriMet recently authorized 50 supervisors to check riders for tickets, augmenting the force of 18 regular fare inspectors.
On the other hand, the uniformed private Wackenhutt security people visible at many TriMet stations are relatively toothless. They don’t carry weapons and do not have arrest powers. Nor are they expected to physically break up a fight. If they spot trouble, they’re to call 911.
TriMet must continue enhancing its security operation.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The assault of a Vancouver woman when she was riding the MAX light-rail in North Portland last week has again illustrated the need for aggressive security on the trains and on the platforms, as well as for vigilant ticket-checking to discourage no-pay riders.
The incident is also a public relations blow to TriMet and its trains at a time gas prices are prompting more commuters to consider mass transit. And, it likely will reinforce negative feelings among those in Clark County who oppose extension of light rail into Vancouver on a new Interstate 5 bridge.
Safety of riders on any mass transit system is a legitimate concern. TriMet has made strides in beefing up security in recent months, and there’s more it can do. But some perspective also is in order.
First, there’s concern about crime and safety just about everywhere: high school football games, outdoor concerts, highways where road-ragers roam, strip malls and convenience stores. And it’s almost summer, so let’s not overlook campgrounds occupied by loudmouths more interested in beer than trees, trails and mountains. To some degree all of these venues are only reflections of society as a whole.
Second, there are more riders these days, and thus greater chances for uncivil conduct. In May, TriMet trains and buses provided 8.9 million rides, an increase of 4.4 percent over May 2007. The weekday average for light-rail alone in May was 112,100.
On Monday, the 28-year-old Vancouver woman was riding MAX for the first time, according to The Oregonian, when she attempted to intercede on behalf of another woman rider who was being harassed by five African-American teenagers. As the train continued along North Interstate Avenue, the teens shouted racial insults at the Vancouver woman, who is white, and punched her. When the train stopped at Prescott Street, the teens grabbed her purse and fled.
“It was completely traumatizing and absolutely horrifying for me,” the victim told The Oregonian.
The good news is that security cameras at the platform recorded the young hoodlums as they ran away. By Friday, all five suspects had been arrested.
This was the fifth violent incident since November on or near the trains, two in Gresham, one near Beaverton and two in North Portland. Since last fall, TriMet has beefed up security. According to spokeswoman Mary Fetsch, at this time last year TriMet had about 25 uniformed, gun-carrying commissioned police on its payroll. Today it has 41, and two more are to be hired by July 1. TriMet recently authorized 50 supervisors to check riders for tickets, augmenting the force of 18 regular fare inspectors.
On the other hand, the uniformed private Wackenhutt security people visible at many TriMet stations are relatively toothless. They don’t carry weapons and do not have arrest powers. Nor are they expected to physically break up a fight. If they spot trouble, they’re to call 911.
TriMet must continue enhancing its security operation.