For the fourth consecutive year, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has been recognized as having the safest transit system out of the top 12 U.S. transit agencies. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) national study revealed that MDOT MTA had the fewest number of Part 1 crimes in 2017 – down 36 percent since 2014.   Part I crimes are serious offenses, such as aggravated assault, arson, burglary (breaking and entering), criminal homicide, rape, larceny theft and robbery.  The study confirms that MDOT MTA is delivering a safer system. 

“Through the diligent efforts of the MDOT MTA Police Force, we continue to send the message that crime will not be tolerated on our system,” said Colonel John E. Gavrilis, MDOT MTA Chief of Police. “Our team of dedicated men and women have been able to maintain a low crime rate due to their hard work, partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the region, the use of advanced technology and regular training.”

MDOT MTA had no homicides or rapes for a total of 183 Part I crimes last year. From 2014 to 2017, the number of serious crimes reported decreased from 285 to 255 to 240 and to 183 respectively on MDOT MTA’s Local Bus, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, MARC Train, MobilityLink and Commuter Bus.

Following Baltimore with the lowest number of serious crimes on public transit were New Jersey (413), Atlanta (452), Houston (518), Philadelphia (753), Boston (798), Dallas (800), Washington, D.C. (1,282), Los Angeles (1,850), Chicago (2,220), New York (2,444), and San Francisco (3,369).

MDOT MTA, one of America’s largest multi-modal transit systems, operates local and commuter buses, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, Maryland Area Regional Commuter  (MARC) Train service and a comprehensive Mobility (paratransit) system. MDOT MTA also directs funding and statewide assistance to Locally Operated Transit Systems (LOTS) in each of Maryland’s 23 counties, Annapolis, Baltimore City and Ocean City. To learn more, visit mdot.maryland.gov or mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.
 

Media Contacts
Sandy Arnette
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 443-835-7984
sarnette@mta.maryland.gov(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)

Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mta.maryland.gov(link sends e-mail)
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