MINNEAPOLIS — Metro Transit officials announced the indoor waiting area at its Uptown Transit Station will temporarily close Thursday, citing recent challenges to thwart property damage, litter and "other unwanted behaviors."
A statement on Metro Transit's website says while it plans to reopen the space later this year, it won't do so until contracted security officers are placed there — in addition to five other locations.
"We are committed to making facility improvements that will help make these spaces more inviting, and to bringing contracted security officers to locations where a stronger official presence is most needed," the statement read.
Among the locations the transportation organization plans to staff with security officers is south Minneapolis' Blue Line Lake Street/Midtown Station, where a transgender woman was brutally attacked last month, suffering severe injuries.
It was that attack that prompted Minnesota lawmakers to consider a bill in the days that followed, that would fund an intervention task force for light rail safety, including the addition of social workers' presence in public transportation.
Metro Transit says that while the Uptown waiting area is closed, workers will deep clean it and make repairs. The statement also said shelters outside the waiting area have already been installed in an effort to better protect travelers from the elements.
The Metropolitan Council, which provides essential services and infrastructure to people, places and organizations throughout the Twin Cities, will vote Wednesday on a contract that would bring security to various Metro Transit stations as early as this spring.
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