In a recent survey, the number one issue for our riders is feeling unsafe and wanting more security officers. We hear you and your safety is our top priority. Our Security team has a ton of improvements in store this year.
Crime Down 24% - Staff Presence Up
In fall 2025, MTS reported a 24% decrease in crime on the system (January – August 2025), compared to the same eight-month period in 2024.
The change follows a series of more recent investments MTS has made in creating a safer environment for riders:
- More visible staff on the system: Code Compliance staff increased by 60% compared to early 2024, and ‘train teams’ increased from 5 – 6 to 8 – 10 per shift.
- More Bus Staffing: Expanded the team dedicated to support bus service.
- More Rider Support Service Outreach: Doubling the team working with social service agencies to do outreach for riders experiencing homelessness. Coverage was expanded to seven days a week, and MTS now partners with about 30 social service organizations to help administer services.
- Easier Security Communications: The 24/7 security hotline was combined to one number (619-595-4960) for texting and calling. MTS Security responded to more than 14,000 text messages and 45,000 calls for service in the past year.
- Fare Compliance: Early in 2025, moved to a more strict fare compliance policy to ensure riders are paying to ride the system.
The agency is also making other related safety improvements for riders, including more lighting throughout the system, beautification efforts and more.
Lighting the System
In addition to staffing presence, MTS riders consistently communicate the desire for more lighting to help support safety on the system. In 2025, MTS launched several projects to help bring more and better lighting to people waiting for transit.
- Lighting at Orange Line Trolley Stations between Lemon Grove and Barrio Logan all got updates to replace aging infrastructure, and improve lighting visibility at stations and in parking lots.
- A new solar-powered bus stop pilot project was installed in November 2025, bringing light to bus stops without any dedicated lighting.
- A recent South Bay underpass also got a makeover, with a bright new mural, as well as new lighting, making pedestrian access to the station for welcoming for riders.
We will continue to expand and improve stop infrastructure next year, including the addition of 40+ new shelters with lighting throughout the system in 2026.
MTS Only Transit Agency to Receive TSA Gold Award
In 2025, MTS was the only public transit agency in the United States to receive the Transit Security Administration’s highest level of recognition, the Gold Award.
TSA San Diego Field Office Lead Inspector Chris Hatfield stated, “San Diego MTS has a long history of world-class innovation in security and has maintained one of the highest levels of vigilance, preparedness and regional cooperation with other agencies that I’ve ever seen. We’re proud to recognize MTS as an industry leader, and are thankful for their continued partnership.”
The award was based on assessment of the agency’s scores for emergency response training, security program management and accountability, physical and cyber security strategies, and more.
