Click the image to watch KING 5's coverage of our transit safety work
On Monday, the Committee of the Whole, which I chair, heard the Transit Safety Report, including overall safety initiatives, actions already taken, and future efforts and next steps. The report came out of the Regional Transit Safety Task Force, which I worked with Councilmember Reagan Dunn to convene with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 and Metro Transit in the wake of the murder of Metro Transit Operator Shawn Yim last year.
The Task Force identified safety initiatives, including:
- Strengthening regional interagency coordination to eliminate delays and confusion during emergencies
- Increasing rider trust and accountability through a regionwide Rider Code of Conduct campaign
- Enhancing on-the-ground safety through increased staffing of diverse responders, site-based pilots, real-time data sharing, and outreach and reporting tools
- Expanding behavioral health crisis response, youth-centered safety strategies, and support for unhoused riders
Every operator behind the wheel, every rider on board, and every neighborhood our buses and trains pass through deserve to feel protected, respected, and cared for. Now comes the urgent work of taking the ideas from the report and transforming into them into action, including accountability tools, systems that respond quickly, and a transit network that is safe for all.
On Monday, most county offices, including mine, will be closed to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, an opportunity to celebrate and honor the histories, cultures, and future of the Native people who have lived here since time immemorial.
Join Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center (5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle) on Monday, October 13 from 3:30-9:00 PM to celebrate! Enjoy an exhibition featuring the work of Two-Sprit artist Jamie John (Anishinaabe), followed by dinner, dance performances, a round dance, and jam session.
On Wednesday, October 15, join the City of Kirkland for a presentation about King County’s Senior Property Tax Exemption Program. Held at the Peter Kirk Community Center (352 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland) from 1:00-2:00 PM, learn about eligibility requirements, how the program works, and the application process. There is no cost to participate, but pre-registration is required!
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