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MTS Reports 24% Drop in Transit Crime After Security and Fare Crackdown

Officials credit a February fare-evasion crackdown for about $500,000 in extra monthly revenue.

Overview

  • MTS recorded 969 incidents from January through August 2025, down 24% year over year, with bus crime falling about 53% and trolley crime nearly 15%.
  • Assaults were essentially flat overall (542 vs. 547), but reported assaults on or at trolleys increased year over year, according to the agency’s data.
  • Vandalism fell sharply (417 to 177) alongside declines in thefts, robberies and sexual offenses over the eight-month period.
  • Security measures included a 60% increase in code compliance inspectors to 102, more trolley train teams per shift and new security outposts at major hubs.
  • Ridership rose 7.1% to 81.18 million boardings in the fiscal year ending June 30, and the board plans to revisit fare-evasion penalty rules next spring.