ridershipandrevenuesdown
Recent happenings regarding the LRT have literally taken their toll - two ways. Widespread drug use, aggressive encounters and the stench of human waste — have made numerous riders feel uncomfortable or unsafe inside the train station or on the train itself and as a result ridership revenues are down. The other side of toll taking is that so may riders fail to pay the fare meaning a double whammy to ridership revenues. This is becoming an increasing concern both to the ridership, LRT administrators and transit workers, the City and police and something needs to be done about it.
In the 1970's New York City was experiencing widespread violence and crime on their subway system. One of the things that helped combat the violence and crime on the subways, streets and neighbourhoods in NYC was the Guardian Angels, an organization that patrolled the subways, streets and neighborhoods without involving police or any outside authority. They also provided education programs and workshops for schools and businesses and their influence later spread to over 130 cities and 13 countries worldwide.
The Guardian Angels may not have the answer to all the problems faced by Edmonton's LRT but they may be able to provide insight and ideas that should and could be applied here.