Transit center safety concerns spark urgent call for action

During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding safety and service at the local transit center were brought to the forefront. Barry Hobbs, a public commenter, emphasized the urgent need for increased police presence, suggesting that between 10 to 12 metro officers be assigned to patrol the facility, which has seen a rise in incidents involving school children and homeless individuals.

Hobbs highlighted a new rule allowing school children to remain on the property for only half an hour between buses, advocating for stricter enforcement of this policy. He proposed that homeless individuals should be permitted on the property for just one hour during the day and night, after which they should be directed to libraries or shelters, rather than left to fend for themselves on the streets.

Additionally, Hobbs raised alarms about recent reports of violence at bus stops, calling for immediate action to address these safety concerns. He urged the board to consider reinstating truant officers to manage the situation with school children more effectively.

In closing, Hobbs expressed optimism for improvements in transit services, specifically mentioning hopes for a 24/7 bus service in the future. He requested that his comments be forwarded to Mayor O'Connell and the metro council to ensure that these issues are addressed promptly.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of Hobbs and other public commenters, reinforcing the importance of community input in local governance.