In a recent social media post, BART Board Member Debora Allen highlighted her ongoing efforts to address safety concerns within the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. Allen, who has been a lone voice on the BART Board since 2019 advocating for more sworn BART police officers, expressed her disappointment over the current state of security on the system.
"Regardless of what comes from the department of Spin, BART has fewer sworn officers available for patrol than in the past. Civilian 'presence' has no enforcement authority," Allen wrote.
She went on to express her frustration that video footage from the BART board meeting last week, where workers and union leaders raised concerns about the safety of BART employees, has not been made public.
The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) President, Hunt, presented a list of demands on behalf of workers, which included "increased security 'presence' throughout the BART system." However, Allen emphasized the need for more sworn police officers, stating that both workers and riders require effective law enforcement, not just a mere presence.
Among the demands put forth by the ATU, Allen acknowledged some as valid requests. These included "training programs to help frontline employees handle safety threats" and a public relations campaign to raise awareness about safety threats for riders.
Additionally, the call for "improved communication with employees about security concerns" resonated with Allen, who noted that riders also need transparent communication instead of what she referred to as "spin" about "increased presence" and a "Not One More Girl" campaign.
Allen praised the ATU's proposal for an "analysis of incidents to determine how to make employees and patrons safer," calling it a commendable step towards enhancing overall safety on the BART system.
One demand that caught Allen's interest was the call for "scheduling changes that would allow employees to come to work more rested and alert." She expressed curiosity about the potential benefits of such changes and questioned whether it could lead to a reduction in overtime.
As safety concerns continue to be a focal point for both BART employees and riders, Allen's advocacy for more sworn police officers and transparent communication remains at the forefront of the discussion. T