FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MPD leadership and officers ride alongside customers and operators as part of continued commitment to safety

Release Date: Sept. 10, 2026

Media Hot Line: 713-739-4040

METRO is expanding its Bus Safety Initiative, building on MPD’s existing presence across the transit system by increasing the number of uniformed officers regularly riding buses and engaging directly with customers and operators. 

MPD officers have long maintained a presence on METRO buses, at stops and at transit centers throughout the system. The Bus Safety Initiative builds on that existing work by involving sworn personnel from across the department, including officers whose regular assignments may not typically place them aboard buses. 

Beginning Aug. 1, MPD Chief Ban Tien, assistant chiefs, lieutenants and sergeants committed to spending at least four hours each week riding METRO buses. Beginning Sept. 1, the initiative expands to all other sworn personnel, including officers assigned to specialized units and administrative roles, who will spend at least two hours each week riding buses as part of their regular on-duty assignments.

“Safety starts with being present, visible and connected to the people we serve,” Chief Tien said. “When our officers ride alongside our customers and operators, we have an opportunity to listen, build relationships and provide an added sense of security. Our leadership should set that example, which is why you will see members of our command team and me out there.” 

This year, MPD has strengthened its presence across the transit system, including opening new police substations at Northline, Downtown and Harrisburg and expanding partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to provide additional officer presence along the METRORail Red Line during peak travel times. Building on these efforts, MPD is now expanding its presence on bus routes to increase visibility and engagement with customers and operators throughout the system. 

For METRO customers, the message is simple: MPD officers are riding with you. 

The Bus Safety Initiative is part of METRO’s continued focus on providing a safe and welcoming transit system for customers, operators and employees throughout the region.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail, which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT Express Lanes, curb2curb microtransit service and METRO Vanpool. Road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the Houston region. Learn more about METRO services at RideMETRO.org, where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.