METRO announces more law enforcement along system in 2026 to improve safety

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- On Wednesday, METRO police presented the latest safety stats for the METRO system. This comes after last week's deadly shooting on a bus that killed an innocent rider and injured another. The man accused of pulling the trigger was found the next day, arrested, and charged.

Despite the tragic death, METRO Police Chief Ban Tien said the latest report shows riding METRO buses and trains is a safe transportation option.

"There are people out there, hard-working people, who rely on our system," Tien said.

Whether the everyday commuter or occasional trip taker, Tien said rider safety is a top priority as chief of the METRO police force.

"By us surging resources out there with our partners during peak times, we have seen the decline," Tien said.

The decline noted is for type A and B crimes so far in fiscal year 2026. METRO says A and B crimes include assaults, drug crimes, vandalism, theft, and homicide.

November and December were the first months in which those categories were below the department's benchmark of 132 incidents a month since January of last year.

"And by seeing that, perhaps from our perspective, there may be some success, and we're looking to expand our efforts and initiative," Tien said.

On Wednesday, METRO highlighted its partnerships with surrounding law enforcement agencies along the Red, Green, and Purple lines.

"Some days you may see an MPD officer riding in uniform; there may be times when an officer is riding in plain clothes," Tien said.

METRO says in 2026 the partnership will go beyond the rail system, and riders may also notice additional uniformed officers on platforms, buses, and at transit centers.

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