Dunn introduces legislation for a Regional Transit Safety Taskforce

January 13, 2025

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on Monday introduced legislation calling for a Regional Transit Safety Taskforce to address public safety concerns on and around public transit systems. The legislation follows the tragic murder of transit operator Shawn Yim and comes at the request of leadership of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local Chapter 587.

“The murder of Shawn Yim, while he was on duty as a transit operator, was the horrific consequence of bad public policy around safety and security on our streets,” Dunn said. “The undeniable truth is that this tragedy was predictable. Our transit operators and riders deserve to work and commute in safety, and this requires a thorough and multi-jurisdictional regional effort. I want to thank Chair Balducci for her leadership in holding this hearing on a matter of critical importance.”

This legislation comes after a King County Council Committee of the Whole meeting held Monday, chaired by Councilmember Claudia Balducci, which focused on public safety issues faced by transit operators, riders, and the surrounding community.

"Convening with regional partners is an important step toward coordinating our efforts to make sure our network of regional transit system is safe for everyone working and riding,” Balducci said. “I commend Councilmember Dunn for stepping up to make sure this effort that ATU has been calling for launches swiftly and with a wide representation by those who can drive solutions. I look forward to participating in this and other work to advance safety on our transit services." 

At the hearing, Amalgamated Transit Union President Greg Woodfill called for a Regional Taskforce to address not only safety on Metro buses, but also the broader public safety issues in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

The legislation would request the King County Executive to participate in a regional taskforce on Transit Safety to address public safety in communities across the region. It would study ideas including but not limited to:

• Improvements to operator safety on buses, including physical barriers for bus operators,
• Holding riders accountable for the rules and law,
• Public safety policies and public safety staffing in the jurisdictions in which King County Metro operates,
• King County Metro Public Safety staffing, including both Sheriff’s deputies and contracted security, and
• Other issues as identified by taskforce members.

The taskforce will include partners from multiple jurisdictions, such as cities, localities, police (including the Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office), first responders, Metro front-line workers, and local elected officials.