Classical music blasts from the public speakers throughout the Los Angeles Metro station at the Westlake/MacArthur Park stop as part of a new plan hoping to drive down crime and increase ridership.
- The transportation authority is trying to address the rapidly declining ridership as many fear for their safety amid higher crime rates. According to Metro, the most serious violent crimes — including assault, murder, rape and robbery — rose 24% since 2021.
- Across the transportation system, there were 21 deaths reported in 2022. There have been 21 deaths on Metro buses and trains in the first three months of 2023.
- According to NBC, that's where classical music comes into play. As part of a pilot program at the Westlake/MacArthur station, Metro will introduce Metro Ambassadors, who are unarmed security guards, who can summon the police if needed.
- Additionally, Metro has limited entrances and exits to only the main turnstiles, as well as adding more lighting and security cameras.
- Riders said they've seen a difference but are not sold on it.
- Metro said that the pilot programs have worked with crime down 20% and report of vandalism, graffiti and cleanup is down 50%. The agency will re-evaluate this program in the fall to see its faults and successes before bringing it to other stations.