HOUSTON – Do you feel safe on METRO buses and rail lines?
That’s the question we posed to riders Thursday as police investigate another deadly incident on Houston’s transit system.
On Wednesday at 10 p.m., KPRC 2 reported on a violent encounter aboard a METRO rail line.
Authorities say a man exposed himself to passengers. When officers attempted to intervene, investigators say the suspect cut one of them with a knife. Officers then fired, killing the suspect.
The incident happened at the Northline Transit Center on Fulton Street.
KPRC 2 reporter Re’Chelle Turner spent the day speaking with riders at the busy transit hub. Some said they feel safe and believe crime can happen anywhere. Others said incidents like Wednesday night’s make them uneasy and want to see more security on board.
Thursday afternoon, riders shared the space with people experiencing homelessness in the area.
“I use it every day,” one man said.
“I use METRO Monday through Thursday because I go to school at UHD,” a student added.
According to Houston METRO, nearly six million rides were taken across the system in December alone. The agency says it has expanded a systemwide safety partnership, increasing law enforcement presence on buses, rail lines, and at transit centers. METRO works alongside the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple constable precincts.
METRO data shows that from October 2024 through September 2025, 517 major crimes were reported during 76.3 million rides. That compares to 473 crimes during 73.3 million rides the year before.
Still, for many riders, those numbers are hard to overlook following recent violent incidents — including Wednesday night’s deadly encounter.
Authorities say two off-duty sheriff’s deputies working METRO security were called to the rail line after reports of a man exposing himself. During the encounter, one deputy was injured. Both deputies were part of METRO’s enhanced security team.
Earlier this month, a woman was killed and another person injured during a shooting on a METRO bus in west Houston.
So we asked riders a simple question: Do you feel safe on METRO?
“I feel safe. There’s always a lot of police during the daytime — they patrol real heavy,” one man said. “I feel safe on the trains.”
“Not really,” a UHD student said. “I ride with friends, so I feel more comfortable, but I still feel like I have to watch out. Anybody can get on the system.”
We also asked what would help riders feel safer.
“Maybe have security inside the train,” the student said. “Anybody can ride it — there’s nobody really checking.”
Metro released a statement:
“The safety of our riders, employees and the communities we serve remains METRO’s highest priority. Any incident involving serious injury or loss of life is taken with the utmost seriousness, and we recognize the concerns raised regarding this matter.
This incident is being investigated in accordance with all established law enforcement protocols. While the investigation is ongoing, the deputies involved will not be assigned to METRO’s safety partnership initiative. Any questions regarding their employment status should be directed to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The METRO Police Department has secured and downloaded all available surveillance footage from METRO systems in the area where the incident occurred and is fully cooperating with the Houston Police Department in support of the ongoing investigation. METRO will continue to provide any information or assistance requested by the lead investigating agency.
While the investigation continues, we remain committed to transparency, accountability and collaboration with our law enforcement partners. METRO’s mission is to provide a transit system that is safe, reliable and accessible, and we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone who uses and works on our system."