Title
A MOTION relating to transit security on board Metro transit department buses; acknowledging receipt of the Bus Route Security Report submitted in response to the 2026-2027 Biennial Budget Ordinance, Ordinance 20023, Section 116, Proviso P9, as amended by Ordinance 20086, Section 94.
Body
WHEREAS, the 2026-2027 Biennial Budget Ordinance, Ordinance 20023, unanimously adopted by the King County council and signed by the executive, appropriated $3 billion for the public transportation operating fund in the 2026-27 biennium, and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 20023, Section 116, Proviso P9, states that $100,000 shall not be expended or encumbered until the executive transmits a bus route security report and a motion that should acknowledge receipt of the report, and a motion acknowledging receipt of the report is passed by the council, and
WHEREAS Ordinance 20023, Section 116, Proviso P9, directs that the motion should reference the subject matter, the proviso's ordinance, ordinance section, and proviso number in both the title and body of the motion, and
WHEREAS Ordinance 20023, Section 116, Proviso 9, as amended by Ordinance 20086, Section 94, directs that the report shall include, but not be limited to:
A. A description of how the Metro transit department is deploying contracted transit security officers, including fare enforcement officers, on-board bus coaches on routes experiencing higher levels of security incidents, including, but not limited to, the RapidRide A and E lines, with information including, but not limited, to the following:
1. How routes are selected for onboard deployment of transit security officers, including fare enforcement officers;
2. Sample schedules for transit security officer deployment on board bus coaches, including the average percentage of daily runs in a route for which transit security officers, including fare enforcement officers; and
3. What standards or best practices the Metro transit department uses to deploy transit security officers, including fare enforcement officers, on board bus coaches to improve employee and passenger safety, deter crime, and promote a sense of security, as opposed to a sense of excessive security presence that could make passengers feel profiled or insecure;
B. A description of other strategies the Metro transit department is employing on board bus coaches to increase the safety and security of passengers and operators; and
C. How incident trends on individual routes are monitored over time, and how the Metro transit department is using data about security incidents, best practices from other transit agencies, and innovative approaches to adjust safety and security measures in response to incident trends, and
WHEREAS, the Metro transit department has compiled the required information and the executive has transmitted the Bus Route Security Report by September 30, 2026, which is included as Attachment A to this motion;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
The council hereby acknowledges receipt of the Bus Route Security Report, Attachment A to this motion, as required by Ordinance 20023, Section 116, Proviso P9, as amended by Ordinance 20086, Section 94.