East Portland Representative Jefferson Smith has an interesting idea for how to make the MAX safer: not more tickets. Not more cops. Instead, more Fred Meyer style greeters.
Smith sponsored a bill creating a pilot program of volunteer MAX greeters which, last week, passed the state house. If the bill (HB 3047) gets through the Senate, TriMet will enlist of corps of smiley volunteers to welcome people to what Vancouver lovingly calls the crime train. Taking cues from WalMart and Fred Meyer, the program will recruit neighbors to simply stand, smile and welcome people to the MAX line at more notorious stops. Maybe Mayor Adams will volunteer? He’s got experience!
More of this on the MAX line soon.
Sounds like the program’s worth a try…hopefully with different outfits.
In a year where they can’t spend money to solve stuff, this is kinda creative. More watchful eyes on the street has gotta be a good thing. Worth seeing if it works.
I like the idea. It could make the max safer. This guy would scare away any crime.
im really surprised he can fit into that bag.
I’ve never been to a Fred Meyer with a greeter. Are thinking of Walmart or Best Buy maybe?
They don’t need to smile at me or greet me. If they can just BE there, I for one will feel less outnumbered by the gnarly people who look and sound like crime on a plate. If they can find volunteers to keep me company, bring’em on!
They don’t need to smile at me or greet me. If they can just BE there, I for one will feel less outnumbered by the gnarly people who look and sound like crime on a plate. If they can find volunteers to keep me company, bring’em on!
Agreed. Volunteer programs aiming to bring down crime are all over the place–and they work. Cities like Sausalito, CA and Rochester, NY have what are called Volunteers in Public Safety (VIPS). Something like VIPS in Portland could act as a deterrent and make for a friendlier ride experience.
As I understand the HB3047 the volunteer’s will be on the trains,not on the platforms.We(yes I plan on volunteering)would be working in pairs.The greeters would have two way comunication with the train opperator.the greeters would be non-confrontational,we would only be eye’s and ears for TriMet and the Police.I have noticed with other foot/bike patrols I have been involved with,that if people know they are being watched,and that if something happens the police will be called they tend to not want to be in that area.
Yes it is a lot to ask of poeple to take on this project,but if it can stop just one attack I think its worth it.With the budget for TriMet in the state its in,I belive this is the best opportunity available to make the MAX a little safer for everyone.Most of us use the MAX,and the only way it will get better is for the people that ride it to get involved.We will be trained,we will be working in pairs,and we will make a difference.