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Release Date: Nov. 15, 2024
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040
 On Friday, City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire and METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock jointly swore in Ban Tien as Chief of the METRO Police Department (MPD).
Chief Tien joins METRO after a distinguished career with the Houston Police Department (HPD), where he most recently served as the Executive Assistant Chief of Police. Tien makes history as the first Asian American to lead MPD.
“As Houston continues to grow, so does the need for a collaborative response to public safety issues,” said Mayor Whitmire. “Chief Tien is a proven leader who will boost coordination between departments, so we can have a united front against crime. My priority remains securing our neighborhoods for all families who call Houston home.”
Tien's appointment comes as METRO renews focus on safety and security at transit stations, onboard buses and trains, and areas surrounding its facilities. In 2025, the Authority plans to invest $7.2 million to enhance security measures, which include increasing police presence, more strategic deployment of officers, and upgrading camera technology, lighting and security fencing.
“METRO’s vision to build a robust transit culture is not just ambitious – it is essential for great cities,” said Chair Brock. “The future of mobility hinges on people knowing that they are safe to ride METRO, to drive, and to walk around. Under Chief Tien’s leadership, METRO PD will work with law enforcement agencies to support a more connected and vibrant region.”
METRO Police Officers are licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Officers regulate all aspects of the METRO system by riding buses and rails, policing platforms and bus shelters, patrolling area roadways and facilities, and working with other law enforcement agencies to protect the entire region.
"I am grateful to have served for 25 years with HPD and under the confident leadership of Chief Noe Diaz. My time spent in service to the City of Houston has prepared me for this leadership role at MPD," said Tien. "A united front is critical for addressing the complex challenges facing urban policing, and I am ready to serve my community in this new capacity to ensure we have effective strategies that protect METRO customers, employees, and all citizens alike.”
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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail, which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT Express Lanes, curb2curb microtransit service and METRO Star Vanpool. Road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the Houston region. Learn more about METRO services at RideMETRO.org, where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone. |
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