Taking the MetroLink? You might notice some changes in keeping with a recent security study’s recommendations

Step one in making the Metro safer: adding more security officers to ride the light rail and outfitting them in high-visible uniforms. This idea is modeled after Atlanta’s MARTA system, whose director started requiring safety officers to wear high-vis uniforms. “She didn’t add a single person; however, the visibility had changed,” Roach says. “Of course, the customer service aspect changed—people felt not only safe but also comfortable.” 

The MetroLink Unit of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police now includes 40 Metro public safety officers, 130 contracted security and fare enforcement personnel, and 68 police officers and deputies. They’ll be doing more fare checks, so don’t be surprised if one stops you. About 99 percent of riders have valid fares, Roach says, but this gives the officers an opportunity to engage with patrons. “We want to say, ‘Good morning! How’s your ride?’ ‘How are you doing today?’” Roach says. “Hopefully that’s something folks over the summer will see more of.”