The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (L.A. Metro) Board voted to extend the agency’s Drug-Free Metro Campaign program for another 90 days. The agency is seeing a decrease in reports of drug-related complaints after launching the 30-day pilot as a new approach to reduce illegal drug use on L.A. Metro in February.
Using a comprehensive, layered approach, the campaign seeks to reduce drug-related crime, increase awareness of the risks of drug use and provide support to those struggling with addiction.
The campaign was rolled out on the Metro B (Red), A (Blue) and L (Gold) Lines on Feb. 13 and included a strategic deployment of Metro Ambassadors, outreach workers, L.A. Metro Ttansit Security, contract security, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. L.A. Metro Transit Security was reassigned to rail riding teams and the customer experience department started an anti-drug communications campaign. The agency also offered a drug diversion program through the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office to those who qualify.
Initial results of the campaign to date include:
- From Feb. 13 – March 11, L.A. Metro saw an overall 10 percent decrease in customer reported drug-related complaints on the system, as measured by calls into the customer service line.
- By week 4 of the campaign, Transit Watch App reports related to smoking/alcohol/drugs were down 78 percent compared to week 1. Week 1 had a total of 701 reports, but by week 4, the total was 154.
- Overall, 68 Metro Code of Conduct citations and 36 warnings were issued by L.A. Metro Transit Security. The LAPD and the LA Sheriff’s Department also made 205 drug related arrests
