As a young woman using the LA transit system, I'm speaking out after a terrifying experience that no person should endure. On what seemed like a normal day, I decided to take the train at the Hollywood/Western station and was sexually assaulted before I even stepped onto the platform. Surrounded by witnesses, the lack of intervention was alarming. It's unacceptable that our public transportation feels unsafe, especially for women, and this incident highlights a systemic failure.

Under the scorching 95-degree heat, I chose comfort over my usual baggy clothing—only to regret it when a man, without any hesitation, attacked me. Thankfully, a brave bystander joined me in confronting the perpetrator, but this is not enough. Why is this our reality? Why are women afraid to travel alone in our city? It is a privilege to afford rideshare alternatives, yet for many of us, public transit is the only viable option, and being fearful shouldn't be the price we pay.

This is a call for action to improve safety measures on the LA Metro. We need more police presence, functional security cameras, and trained professionals patrolling stations. This is not just about reacting to incidents but preventing them from happening in the first place. The transit system should feel safe and welcoming for everyone, not just a potential risk for half the population.

By signing this petition, you support comprehensive safety enhancements and policy changes. We demand the protection we deserve. Every woman should feel assured that when she steps onto a train, she's entering a secured space. It's time to tell the LA Metro that we refuse to be silent and frightened anymore. Stand with us and demand change. Together, we can make the LA public transit system a safer environment for women.