HOUSTON – Even after a deadly shooting on a METRO bus last week, new data shows crime across the transit system is trending down as ridership continues to climb. Still, METRO leaders say one crime is too many, and they’re responding with increased security, more partnerships, and new technology.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, METRO logged 76.3 million boardings, the highest ridership in years. During that same period, there were 517 major crimes, translating to one major crime for every 147,513 boardings, according to METRO police data.
That compares to:
- 473 major crimes during the previous year, when ridership totaled 73.3 million
- 414 major crimes from 2022–2023, with 66.5 million riders
- A spike of 578 major crimes in 2021–2022, when ridership was significantly lower
METRO Police Chief Ban Tien says rising ridership naturally brings challenges.
“We absolutely don’t have the resources to impact and prevent every single crime,” Tien said during the January safety committee meeting. “The way we respond is going to be key.”
A new METRO crime heat map covering the agency’s 1,300-square-mile service area shows most incidents are concentrated downtown, particularly along the Red Line, which runs through some of Houston’s busiest corridors, including the Texas Medical Center, Midtown, and the Museum District.
“We share the space with everyone,” Tien said. “We’re a reflection of the city.”
METRO police say bus stops, bus shelters, and light rail platforms see the most activity. In December alone, METRO responded to 34 assaults, including aggravated assaults, simple assaults, and intimidation cases. While assaults were slightly higher than in November, overall crime against people is down about 20 percent year over year, according to METRO.
The renewed scrutiny comes after an innocent passenger was shot and killed on a METRO bus last week. Chief Tien says METRO police, working with the Houston Police Department, were able to identify and arrest the two suspects within about 28 hours, crediting surveillance technology and interagency cooperation.
“We don’t want to over-telegraph our capabilities,” Tien said, “but we rely heavily on that technology to solve these crimes.”
As part of a broader safety push, METRO is proposing a three-year, $49 million contract to expand the number of unarmed security guards at transit centers.
If approved, the plan would:
- Increase staffing from about 80 to 120 guards
- Add roughly 1,000 additional security hours per week
- Require guards with higher-level (Level 3) state security credentials, compared to entry-level requirements under the current contract
The guards would be stationed at transit centers, not on buses or trains. METRO police officers would continue handling enforcement onboard.
“I see the guards as a deterrent,” Tien said. “It allows our officers the freedom to take enforcement action.”
Security committee leaders say the shooting underscored the need for stronger safety measures.
“We came into 2026 with excitement and expectations,” said committee chair Rev. T. Leon Preston. “But this unexpected shooting shows why safety measures are so important.”
METRO is also expanding a systemwide safety partnership under its new vision, METRONow, increasing coordinated law enforcement presence across buses, rail lines, platforms, and transit centers.
The initiative includes collaboration with:
- Houston Police Department
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office
- Harris County Constable Precincts 1, 6, and 7
Riders may notice more uniformed officers during peak hours, particularly along the Red, Green, and Purple METRORail lines.
Daily rider Rosalind Sweed, who frequently takes the Red Line, says she stays alert while using the system.
“I see things going on all the time,” she said. “I try to avoid it.”
When asked what would make her feel safer, her answer was simple:
“I’d put someone on the train just to watch what’s going on,” Sweed said.
METRO leaders say that balance, preventing crime while making riders feel safe, is the goal as Houston’s transit system continues to grow.