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SUMMARY
King County Executive Shannon Braddock’s proposed 2025 supplemental budget includes $26.1 million in safety and security investments for King County Metro. In partnership, the City of Seattle has committed more than $5 million in voter-approved funding to support Metro’s 2025 safety and security efforts.
STORY
To support safe, vibrant, and healthy communities where everyone can thrive, King County Executive Shannon Braddock’s proposed 2025 supplemental budget, with funding support from the City of Seattle, will strengthen both transit safety and security.
The proposed budget was sent to the King County Council on May 29. It includes $26.1 million in safety and security investments for King County Metro to fund more Transit Police and Transit Security Officers across its regional network. The budget also funds larger and stronger operator safety partitions for all Metro buses.
The City of Seattle is contributing $5 million in voter-approved funding to Metro’s transit safety and security efforts in 2025. These investments are from the Seattle Transportation Levy and the Seattle Transit Measure, $2 million of which was championed by City Councilmembers Rob Saka and Dan Strauss in the 2025 City budget process.
“Since 2023, King County Metro has dramatically increased our ridership, adding more than 10 million passengers. This supplemental budget will fund more Metro Transit Police and Transit Security Officers to deliver a safe and welcoming environment, which all our customers and employees deserve,” said Executive Braddock. “In partnership with the City of Seattle, we are also bolstering the successful Metro SaFE Ambassadors program to add more locations to support our riders and community members.”
“Safe and reliable public transit is essential to achieving our One Seattle vision for everyone to be able to travel freely and confidently across our city. Transit connects people to essential services, jobs, fun, and each other, but that is only possible if riders and operators are safe,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Through collaborative partnerships with King County Metro and investments supported by Seattle voters, we’re enhancing safety and security on our buses and transit routes, energizing our downtown core, and revitalizing public spaces. These investments are key to fostering vibrant, connected communities and ensuring public spaces are welcoming and accessible for all.”
Adding more police and security officers
If approved, the King County supplemental budget would increase the number of Metro Transit Police deputies by 10, taking the total to 89 when fully staffed. While law enforcement agencies across the country face hiring challenges, Metro has been on a positive staffing trajectory for the past 18 months.
“We don’t have a recruiting problem at Metro Transit Police,” said Metro Transit Major Todd Morrell. “Often times, we are the work site of choice. A recent King County employee survey showed Metro deputies were extremely satisfied and happy with their jobs. This will certainly help attract future applicants, which will in turn allow us to succeed in our mission of proactive and highly visible patrols that ensure the safety of anyone who rides the bus or streetcar.”
The countywide supplemental budget — supported by resources from the City of Seattle — would also fund the recent increases in the number of Transit Security Officers, which has risen steadily from 60 in 2021 to 220 as of April 2025.
Separate from funding in the county’s supplemental budget, the city also invested $3 million in Seattle Transit Measure funding toward safety and security on Seattle-funded bus routes and the Seattle Streetcar. In 2025, SDOT had Metro Transit Police begin serving as the streetcar’s primary law enforcement agency, increasing the security presence and creating a consistent rider experience across transit services in Seattle.
“Transit safety and security are fundamental to building a reliable and accessible transportation system,” said SDOT Director Adiam Emery. “Thanks to Seattle voters, the Seattle Transportation Levy and Seattle Transit Measure allow us to invest in enhancing safety and security on King County Metro buses and routes. This investment allows us to work collaboratively with Metro to create a safer, more welcoming transit experience for everyone who depends on public transportation.”
Providing directions and rider support
$1 million in SDOT funding from the Seattle Transit Measure was approved to support the SaFE Ambassadors program, which was born of the SaFE Reform work that launched in 2021. SaFE Ambassadors, wearing their easy-to-spot blue jackets, answer questions and provide rider support. Currently deployed in the Central District, Mount Baker, and Renton, the program expanded this year to add more ambassadors to Rainier Valley and the University District, in part thanks to the City’s investments.
“At King County Metro, we’re driven to serve our community members and to be your favorite way to travel,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “We’re appreciative to Executive Braddock, Mayor Harrell, and other leaders and partners for supporting our Metro riders and employees. Metro First-line Supervisors, Metro Transit Police Officers and Metro Transit Security Officers — alongside our Behavioral Health Specialists, SaFE Ambassadors and all our staff — are committed to your safety and to treating everyone with respect.”
The King County Council is expected to take final action on Executive Braddock’s proposed supplemental budget next month.
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