The King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force is an action-focused coalition created to confront urgent safety challenges on transit and deliver a unified, countywide effort

This is a multi-phase process that is underway now across the region. Each step builds on the last, with agencies, workers, and community partners driving the work forward together.

Recommended Solutions Now Available

The Task Force has published more than 150 regionally developed recommendations to address identified transit safety gaps. These solutions reflect cross-agency collaboration and frontline expertise and will guide the development of a detailed Regional Action Plan.

Task Force Progress in 2025

Dec 2024

Operator Shawn Yim lost his life while on duty.
Jan 2025

King CountyCouncil introduced Motion 16783 requesting the Executive to convene a task force on transit safety and security.
Mar 2025

Council adopted Motion 16783, and the Task Force held its ﬁrst convening with broad stakeholder participation to identify challenges and gaps.
Apr–May 2025

Consultants led 14 working group sessions that generated more than 150 proposed solutions.
Jun 2025

Leaders presented recommendations to the Transportation District Board and analyzed ﬁndings from the working group sessions.
July 2025

Stakeholders gathered for a public commitment event where diverse voices spoke on the recommendations, followed by a structured feedback process to reﬁne proposed solutions.
Aug 2025

The planning team drafted the Implementation Plan.
Sep 2025

Stakeholders reviewed the draft plan, and ﬁscal needs for implementation were identiﬁed.
Oct 2025

Council brieﬁng scheduled for October 6th.

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Stakeholder events
with 250+ attendees

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Meetings, base visits,
and presentations

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Organizations &
Agencies Participated

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Working Sessions

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Proposed activities
to address gaps

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Cities Provided Input

A Unified Commitment to Transit Safety

The Regional Transit Safety Task Force was established to address urgent safety challenges impacting both transit operators and riders across King County.

Following the tragic death of Metro operator Shawn Yim, transit workers, agency leaders, and elected officials recognized the need for a coordinated, region-wide approach to safety. ATU Local 587 called for immediate action, and the King County Council passed a motion to formally create this Task Force and lead the work ahead with intention and care.

This is a shared commitment. Leaders from across the region are coming to the table, including public safety departments, county agencies, local mayors, community organizations, and all 39 cities served by the transit system. Together, we are building lasting strategies to improve response, strengthen coordination, support those on the front lines, and ensure transit is safe, welcoming, and dependable for everyone who relies on it.

Several people stand while riding light rail.

It Take Us All

Reagan Dunn King County Council member 

“Our transit operators and riders deserve to work and commute in safety, and this requires a thorough and multi-jurisdictional regional effort.”
Greg Woodfill President of ATU Local 587 

“We must restore order, safety, and accountability for one’s actions on public transit. All politicians, police forces, and transit leaders in King County are responsible for and must work more closely together to improve public and transit safety. ”
Michelle Allison General Manager, King County Metro 

“We recognize the need for this task force because our agency alone cannot make our communities safer. We look forward to collaborating with cities and other partners to take meaningful actions to improve safety and security for everyone in the region.”
Bruce Harrell Mayor, City of Seattle

“Drivers and operators perform an essential duty every day, and Seattle’s voter-approved transportation levy includes $9 million for transit safety as we work to eliminate threats and impacts of violence that are completely unacceptable for riders and operators. ”
Dow Constantine CEO of Sound Transit

"It's a reminder to take a holistic approach to public safety. This forum is an opportunity to take solutions that are not just effective but wise and compassionate. "
Claudia Balducci Council member of King County Council 

"People must feel safe working and riding on our system if we are to meet these goals. With this motion, we are recommitting ourselves to building a foundation of safety and ensuring that every Metro employee and transit rider can safely reach their destinations."