LA Metro's Tap-to-Exit System: Crime Surges After Suspension

Tap-to-Exit Program and Initial Success

• 💡 The LA Metro's Tap-to-Exit program, launched last year, required riders to scan prepaid fares to enter.
• 🎯 According to Metro, this system was instrumental in reducing security incidents, including crime and drug use, by 40% on the B Line.
• ✅ Riders supported the program, believing it helped promote safety and fun on board.

Program Suspension and Consequences

• ⚠️ The program was suspended in April due to safety concerns raised by the LA Fire Department regarding potential bottlenecks during emergencies.
• 📈 Following the suspension, Union Station saw a 116% increase in reported security incidents, and North Hollywood Station experienced a 67% increase.
• 📉 LAPD crime data also indicated a rise in narcotics activity on the B Line and a decrease in fare revenues, with an estimated $35,000 loss in the first month of suspension for Union and North Hollywood stations.

Metro's Response and Future Outlook

• 💬 Metro Board Member Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed a desire to keep the program moving forward, emphasizing the priority of a safe and clean transit system.
• 📊 Metro stated that violent crimes are down 9% per 1 million boardings for the first seven months of 2025, and also down for the three months following the suspension compared to the same period in the previous year.
• 🤝 Metro is in discussions with the LA Fire Department to resume the Tap-to-Exit program.