The Metro train and bus system in Los Angeles has recently formalized and expanded its transit ambassador program, earning praise from transit riders and community groups.
The unarmed transit ambassadors, in their lime green polos, help people find their way, connect riders in distress to resources and report any maintenance, cleanliness or safety issues.
Adalberto Rios, Roots for Peace program director for the nonprofit American Friends Service Committee, said this progress is years in the making.
“The transit ambassadors came as a result of the murder of George Floyd,” Rios explained. “In the wake of that moment, there was a champion that pushed for something different than police on our transit system.”
The program started as a pilot in 2022, with about 300 ambassadors working as contractors. This July, they became part of the Teamsters union and are now official employees with benefits. Metro also hired and trained an additional 85 ambassadors.
Rios noted the ambassadors receive extensive training on how to de-escalate difficult situations, so law enforcement does not have to get involved.
“Ambassadors are really helpful, resourceful people that respond to safety and wellness needs, such as our unhoused neighbors, people that are overdosing on the system,” Rios outlined. “They’re the first responders for any major issues.”
Metro works to hire people for the ambassador role who have lived experience; in particular, candidates who come from communities of color, people with disabilities and people from backgrounds affected by homelessness.
Written by Suzanne Potter.
