It’s hard to miss the soulful classical music blaring from Westlake/MacArthur Park speakers at Metro.
Sometimes more startling than soothing, thundering sounds fill the cavernous corridors as passengers board and exit trains on the system’s B (red) and D (purple) lines.
“It’s a little dramatic, but overall it’s okay,” a cyclist told sister station NBCLA on Thursday.
On the program, a group of ambassadors who will travel on board buses and trains to report on the problems that users face on a daily basis.
It’s a playlist with a purpose.
“It’s crazy that classical music is really a tactic they use,” said another cyclist.
Music is just part of public safety pilot program which includes tweaks to security cameras and lighting, closure of a secondary entrance and increased safety for law enforcement and traffic .
Where does the music come from?
“Many of you have noticed that we play music on PA speakers, as have many other types of businesses and municipalities,” Metro said in a statement.
“The idea is to create an atmosphere that is comfortable for short periods of transit in our station, but not conducive to loitering around for hours. We monitor the volume of music as well as customer feedback.
They allege that they do not feel safe traveling on this public transport system.
Metro said reported crimes have decreased by 20% since the program began. Emergency calls have been reduced by 75%, the agency said.
In a separate statement posted March 15 on its website, Metro raised concerns about crime, drug use and other safety issues.
“We are currently implementing the details of our public safety plan with a focus on improving safety, customer service and cleanliness,” Metro said in a statement posted on its website.
Metrolink now has an earthquake warning system on all of its passenger trains.
“This plan includes our pilot project Metro Ambassadorsincreased enforcement of the code of conduct and a ban on the use of illegal drugs on buses and trains, and the expansion of our homeless outreach teams that connect people with needed services.
“We are also testing response tactics to improve conditions at Westlake/MacArthur Park station, including improving lighting and cameras and adding cleaning and security personnel. If successful, this will report other stations.”
Several public safety proposals are presented to the board of directors of the metro during its meeting on Thursday.
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station NBCLA. Click here to read this story in English.