I have 21 years of experience riding UTA TRAX and it deeply concerns me that there is no police presence aboard. This lack of security not only makes me feel unsafe but also jeopardizes the safety of countless other passengers who rely on the Utah Transit Authority daily. 

In 2019, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) reported an increase in crime rates across its services, with a significant percentage occurring on the TRAX Light Rail system. Despite these alarming statistics, there has been no substantial improvement in security measures or increased police presence.

 Vulnerable populations include people who are 65 years old and older, people with disabilities, Racial and ethnic minorities, children [whether they are traveling alone or being accompanied by their parents] pregnant women, Individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender,
And retired military veterans,

The absence of law enforcement officials aboard can lead to an escalation of petty crimes and potentially more serious incidents It's essential for every passenger's safety that UTA takes immediate action to address this issue. 

As many of you know, homelessness has been a serious regional issue for years — and one that has certainly impacted UTA. And the pandemic didn’t help at all. A lack of available shelter and other interim housing resulted in an increase in unhoused individuals seeking shelter on our system. 

I am adopting a code of conduct named “Respect the Ride” after a code of conduct I have witnessed every time I ride the light rail in Phoenix Arizona

i am also adopting an extremely strict penalty system for those who violate the code of conduct by exhibiting unacceptably aggressive behavior towards UTA personnel and other riders including vulnerable populations  

The yellow card, similar to soccer, is purely a stern warning. It means that you have been rude to UTA employees and are causing a problem that disrupts other riders. Once a yellow card is issued, Transit Police will be called to have the rude passengers removed from the train, get arrested and permanently banned from riding with UTA if the bad behavior continues.

disorderly conduct statutes give police officers and other authorities fairly broad discretion to arrest people whose activities they find undesirable for a wide variety of reasons. Potential punishments include a jail term, fine, probation, restraining orders, or community service.

I kindly ask UTA and local government authorities to enhance security measures by ensuring regular police patrols onboard all TRAX Light Rail trains and station platforms. By doing so, they can provide a safer environment for all vulnerable populations, permanently keeping disorderly passengers including homeless people and criminals off of our rail transit corridors, and help reduce crime rates within our public transportation system.

Please join us in urging for improved safety measures on our city's light rail system by signing this petition today.