Los Angeles Metro has paused its tap-to-exit program following safety concerns raised by the Los Angeles Fire Department. This decision comes after the pilot initiative, launched last year, demonstrated a significant reduction in security incidents across the transit system. Initially introduced to combat rising crime and drug use linked to fare evasion, the program had shown promising results, including a 40% decline in reported incidents on the Metro B Line.
The tap-to-exit system requires riders to tap their Metro cards upon arriving at their destination to confirm payment. The program began at North Hollywood Station and was later expanded to Union Station and the Downtown Santa Monica station on the E Line. However, the Los Angeles Fire Department expressed concerns about potential bottlenecks at exit gates during emergencies. This prompted LA Metro to pause the program in early April 2024 while both agencies sought a solution.
As reported in a recent presentation to the LA Metro board, the suspension of the program has led to a troubling resurgence of crime and safety issues. Union Station saw a staggering 116% increase in reported security incidents after the program was halted, while North Hollywood recorded a 67% increase. Additionally, crime data from the Los Angeles Police Department indicated a rise in “narcotics activity” on the B Line.
The financial implications of the program’s suspension are equally concerning. In the month following the pause, fare revenue decreased by nearly $35,000 at both Union Station and North Hollywood. In response to these developments, LA Metro submitted a “request for modification” to the Fire Department, aiming to restore the tap-to-exit program. The agency is currently working to provide engineering and architectural drawings of the fare gates at North Hollywood to the Fire Department within the next 30 days.
Despite the ongoing discussions, LA Metro remains committed to implementing the tap-to-exit system at all end-of-line stations, including the new A Line terminus in Pomona, which is set to open later this week. The agency stated that the program would proceed contingent upon support from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which has jurisdiction in Pomona.
The upcoming presentation to the Metro operations, safety, and customer experience committee will also include data from various pilot programs, such as those involving weapons detection and improved fare gates. As the future of the tap-to-exit program hangs in the balance, both agencies continue to explore solutions to enhance safety while ensuring effective fare collection.
