Los Angeles Commuter Struggles Amid Rising Crime

Commuting in Los Angeles has become increasingly challenging, with crime rates rising significantly over the years.

Since 2019, crime in the Los Angeles metro system has shot up by an alarming 58%, despite the investment of $192 million in safety initiatives.

Metro data shows incidents jumped from 2,747 in 2019 to 4,354 by September 2025, excluding the COVID-19 period.

In 2025 alone, there were 286 aggravated assaults reported on buses and rail lines, marking a 38% rise from 2017.

Rider feedback, submitted through Metro’s Transit Watch app, frequently highlights issues such as drug use, harassment, and overall disorder.

During a recent week, observers noted homeless individuals wandering the aisles and exhibiting erratic behavior, reinforcing passenger concerns.

Open drug activities were evident, with some individuals even starting fires on board, resulting in smoke-filled train cars.

The unpleasant environment was punctuated by the clatter of broken pipes on the ground and overwhelming odors of sweat and urine.

In a shocking incident, one woman brandished a knife during a ride, casually sheathing it before continuing her journey as if nothing unusual had occurred.

While some security presence was noted, it often vanished quickly, leaving passengers feeling vulnerable.

Malcolm Caminero, a journalism student, shared his unnerving commute experience, emphasizing the unpredictable atmosphere. One night, a man who missed his bus violently confronted traffic, banging on the bus’s windshield.

“The driver just sat there,” Caminero recounted, mentioning that police took about 20 minutes to respond, prolonging their delay.

Passenger Elissa Mardiny reflected on the situation: “We understand many are in distress, but that doesn’t equate to safety.”

Sam Hill, who relies on public transport, noted that encountering drug use was a commonplace occurrence, often feeling threatened by other passengers.

Her scariest experience involved witnessing a man with a knife threatening her family member while they were in a vehicle.

The threat goes beyond discomfort; real dangers loom. In December, a man was sentenced to life for a brutal attack that resulted in a passenger’s death on the B subway line.

In April 2024, 67-year-old Mirna Souza Arauz lost her life after being fatally assaulted by Elliott Trammell Nowden without any clear motive.

Metro has stated that violent crimes against individuals present the greatest risk to riders.

In September, there were 159 similar incidents reported, a 20% rise compared to the previous month, including 44 aggravated assaults and 29 robberies.

Metro employees have not been spared either; records indicate frequent assaults on operators.

Fare evasion is rampant, and enforcement actions have dwindled. A sheriff’s deputy mentioned that they can no longer pursue TAP card violations, something that previously led to arrests and the confiscation of illegal items.

In response, LA Metro is revamping its security strategies, investing heavily as major events approach, although results remain mixed.

In June 2024, the Metro Board authorized creating a dedicated Transportation Community Public Safety Department at a projected cost of $192 million.

This reorganization seeks to replace external police agencies with an independent force by 2029, moving away from the previous costly model.

Recently, a “Care-Based Services Division” was launched, integrating various groups focused on outreach and crisis intervention into the safety framework.

Metro leaders have hailed this initiative as a transformative step and aim to implement a trauma-informed response approach.

Last year, a budget amendment established Metro Ambassadors as direct employees to engage with passengers and assist those in need.

These ambassadors will patrol alongside safety officers, offering assistance but lacking enforcement authority.

Yet, outreach efforts illustrate a prevalent issue: numerous homeless individuals refuse offered assistance and continue to linger in the system.

A Metro representative claimed a slight drop in violent crime, highlighting an 8% decrease in the first part of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

“Addressing public safety is our top priority,” the agency stated, asserting that their efforts aim to attract more patrons and foster a new commuting culture in Los Angeles.