The Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors voted unanimously on Thursday to expand its pilot program for weapon detection across more train stations and bus stops. This decision aims to enhance safety by preventing guns, knives, and other weapons from entering the transit system. The expanded program will run for one year, using high-tech systems to identify passengers carrying or brandishing weapons.
The pilot program, which began in August 2024, initially tested weapon detection technology at Union Station and the APU/Citrus College Station. The systems include pillar-style scanners that use artificial intelligence to detect large, concealed metallic objects. According to FOX LA, the technology successfully detected officers’ weapons with 100% accuracy during a five-month trial, although no passengers were found carrying weapons.
The expansion will include additional high-traffic transit stations and at least two Metro buses, though specific locations have not been announced. The LAist reports that Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn considers the program a success, with mostly positive feedback from riders. However, some public commenters expressed concerns about the “TSA-style” security measures.
The initiative comes in response to a rise in violent crime on the Metro system, with reports of such incidents increasing by 16% between March and April 2024. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is also expected to vote on additional safety measures for the Metro system.
Metro CEO will report back to the Board in June with findings from the expanded program, which aims to make the transit system safer for all riders.
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