[citywatch]

at least the mta is trying to be proactive instead of merely active. If it works, go for it.

shutterstock/dogora sun

Los Angeles has started to blast loud classical music at one of its downtown subway stations in a brazen attempt to deter homeless people and crack down on crime.

LA Metro operations and security, in cooperation with local law enforcement, started playing piano sonatas, symphony orchestra pieces and concertos by Vivaldi, Beethoven and Mozart on repeat in the Westlake/MacArthur Park Metro station in January.

It was part of a safety pilot program that also includes adjustments to security cameras and lighting, as well as the addition of more officers and ‘Transit Ambassadors’ who connect homeless people in the subway system for resources.

Metro officials said the move was necessary due to a high number of drug overdoses, calls to police from transit customers and even a stabbing death in recent months as the city’s spate of homeless people took to the underground caves to protect themselves from wild weather.

In a statement to the Los Angeles Times recently, LA Metro spokesperson Dave Sotero said the classical music is being used ‘to restore safety at the transit station’ and ‘as a means to support an atmosphere appropriate for spending short periods of time for transit customers who wait an average of five to 10 minutes for the next train to arrive.’

It came after 22 people died of suspected overdoses on the Metro buses and trains in just the first three months of 2023 after the system already saw crime surge 24 percent last year. So far, Metro officials say, the music has resulted in an ‘improvement in public safety,’ citing a ’75 percent reduction in calls for emergency services, an over 50 percent reduction in vandalism, graffiti and cleanups; and a nearly 20 percent drop in crime.’

https://t.co/Rvm7598QZQ