A recent study by John Foy & Associates has positioned Washington among the ten most perilous states for public transit safety. Between 2021 and 2023, the state recorded 97 violent incidents, which included five fatalities and 95 injuries. This analysis utilized data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, examining occurrences such as bombings, robberies, and non-physical assaults on workers across all states.
In regions like California, Illinois, Washington, and Minnesota, where light rail and commuter trains are integral to public transportation, travelers are advised to remain vigilant, particularly on platforms and when boarding or alighting trains. These precautions are crucial during both peak and off-peak hours.
Washington ranks alongside Arizona as having the ninth-most dangerous public transportation system in terms of violent occurrences per 100,000 people. New York leads with 17.5 incidents per 100,000 people, with Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Maryland, and Texas following suit. Urban centers with larger populations tend to exhibit higher reliance on public transport, which correlates with increased safety incidents.
Curiously, Florida, the third most populous state, ranks 13th, while Texas, with the second-largest population, is eighth, trailing behind states like Minnesota and Massachusetts despite their smaller populations.
In December 2024, a tragic incident highlighted safety concerns on public transit in Washington. Shawn Yim, a King County Metro city bus driver, was fatally stabbed during a confrontation at the intersection of 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 41st Street. The altercation began with passenger Richard Sitzlack over closed bus windows. After Yim stopped the bus to address the situation, Sitzlack claimed to have paid the fare but subsequently engaged in a verbal and physical confrontation, resulting in Yim’s death.
Following this incident, King County Council members and representatives from the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), which represents King County Metro bus drivers, convened in January to explore enhanced safety measures for drivers and passengers utilizing public transportation.
The Societal Shift
The findings of this study and recent violent incidents could prompt significant changes in public transportation systems. For residents and visitors in Washington and other high-risk states, increased awareness and caution during transit could become a normative practice in daily commuting. The emphasis on maintaining vigilance may influence people’s leisure and work travel habits, potentially affecting the perceived reliability and safety of public transportation.
On an administrative level, transportation authorities may implement additional safety protocols, such as increased security presence, training for transit staff, and technological upgrades for monitoring and reporting incidents. These measures could enhance the overall safety and appeal of public transit systems, reassuring both commuters and employees of their well-being while using these services. As these changes take shape, they may contribute to a broader dialogue on transit safety and encourage a shift towards more secure and efficient public transportation networks across the country.