PHOENIX — Valley Metro attributes a significant decrease in crime along its light rail system to recent enhancements in its security operations.
Riders like Yosta Enga, a student from Indonesia attending Arizona State University, rely on Valley Metro’s buses and light rail daily. Without a car, Enga depends on the light rail for transportation but admits she avoids riding at night due to a past unsettling encounter.
“That night, I was really scared,” Enga recalled. Despite the incident, she continues to use the system. “I don’t have a choice,” she said.
Approximately 30,000 passengers use the light rail each day. In 2023, Valley Metro reported to the City of Phoenix that assaults on light rail passengers occurred almost every other day on average, often involving individuals who knew each other.
For some riders, the occasional uncomfortable moment is simply part of using public transit. “I haven’t had bad experiences—it’s how I get to school most days,” said Nana A., an ASU educator. “Every now and then, you have people who are a little noisy, but it’s public transportation.”
Valley Metro’s recent data shows a more than 15% reduction in security incidents, including assaults, property crimes, robberies, and aggravated assaults, between the first and second halves of 2024.
This improvement is credited to Valley Metro doubling its security team since 2023 and reducing turnover among its personnel. The increased presence and stability within the security team have created a safer environment for passengers.
Valley Metro continues to prioritize safety for its riders, aiming to maintain these positive trends while ensuring reliable public transportation across the Valley.