City Council will next week vote on a recommendation to inform Metro of its support for more attention and investment in the stretch of Blue Line that runs through Long Beach.

The Blue Line is an essential cog for Los Angeles transit, with the eight stops in Long Beach catering to over six million riders a year. However, many issues–including the recent beating of a man as well as the murder of a 19-year-old last November–have plagued the transit vein and worried citizens.

Vice Mayor Robert Garcia–in a recommendation co-authored by fellow councilmembers Suja Lownethal, James Johnson and Steve Neal–contended that installing electric turnstiles at each station as well as upgrading the aesthetics–such as repairing the dilapidated public art pieces as well as renovating the landscaping–will provide a safer, more comfortable trip for the riders.

Of course, given that the L.A. County Sheriff’s Transit Services Bureau (not Long Beach Police Department) holds jurisdiction over the Blue Line, this is much easier said than done, hence the Council’s ability to only put forth a recommendation.

The turnstiles are one of the key aspects in regard to upping safety measures. According to Garcia, the turnstiles are “common at other stations throughout the county and there is no reason we should not expect the same technology at our stops. Installing turnstiles will assist public safety personnel with managing riders, and ensuring that riders are paying the fare.”

If approved, the City Manager will forward the Council’s position and report back in 90 days regarding a timeline and plan to address the other maintenance and public safety issues.

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