A Community Addresses Safety and Security – MPTA 2020 Virtual Conference
A panel discussion featuring Marcie Meystrik, Corridor Planning Coordinator at EWG; Lurae Stuart, Manager of the Transit System Safety and Security Group for WSP World; Jim Wild, Executive Director of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments; and Kevin Scott, General Manager of Field Security for Metro Transit.
In response to growing concerns regarding crime, and the perception of it, on the MetroLink system, and transit systems across the country, St. Louis’ regional elected officials, business leaders, transit advocacy groups, and transit users called for a change. East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG), the metropolitan planning organization, took on the challenge of conducting a third-party assessment of security policies and practices on the transit system. This two-phase effort began in early 2018 and wrapped up in early 2020. This discussion will highlight key learnings and areas of opportunity for the region.