Restarting Light Rail Elevator Staff in Sacramento to Reduce Crime and Vandalism
Sacramento's Watt Avenue Station Embraces Elevator Attendant Program
A new initiative has been implemented at the Watt Avenue light rail station in Sacramento, with the reintroduction of elevator attendants. This move is aimed at reducing vandalism and maintenance issues, enhancing safety, and improving the overall condition of the station's elevators.
The presence of these attendants provides on-site monitoring and assistance, deterring vandalism and allowing for quicker resolution of maintenance problems. According to Lisa Hinz, SacRT's vice president of safety and security, vandalism inside the elevators, including graffiti, broken lights, and trash, has been a persistent issue in the past. However, she notes that the reintroduction of elevator attendants has significantly reduced these instances, almost to zero.
The elevator attendant program at the Watt Avenue station began with more than 100 employees assigned to elevator duty. One such employee is Earleen Pringle, who operates the lift at the Watt Avenue and Interstate 80 light rail station. The program has not been implemented at other light rail stations in Sacramento as of now.
The introduction of elevator attendants has brought about several changes. For instance, customers no longer have to press the button to operate the elevator at the Watt Avenue station. Additionally, people have been known to sleep in the elevators, preventing the doors from being opened. This issue has been addressed with the presence of attendants.
The program reflects a move back toward staffed stations as a method to enhance safety and deter property damage in public transit environments. The job of elevator attendant, once common in the mid-1900s, is virtually extinct due to the advancement of modern technology. However, the reintroduction of this role at the Watt Avenue station has not cost SacRT any extra money, according to Lisa Hinz.
The program has been successful in maintaining the equipment in better condition, reducing costly repairs and service disruptions. Since October 2024, the elevator at the Watt Avenue and Interstate 80 light rail station has not required a bus bridge, indicating the effectiveness of the program.
The elevator attendant program was initially introduced primarily to reduce vandalism and maintenance issues. While it has not been used to address issues with crime at other light rail stations in Sacramento, its positive impact on the Watt Avenue station has been notable. The station is the only one in Sacramento with an elevator, and the program has contributed to its improved functionality and cleanliness.
In conclusion, the reintroduction of elevator attendants at the Watt Avenue station has proven to be a beneficial step in improving the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of the station's elevators. The program has not only reduced instances of vandalism but has also helped maintain the equipment in better condition, reducing costly repairs and service disruptions.
The program, initially focused on reducing vandalism and maintenance issues at the Watt Avenue station, has successfully achieved near-zero instances of elevator vandalism.The presence of elevator attendants not only enhances safety but also helps maintain the equipment in better condition, minimizing costly repairs.Despite advancements in technology, the reintroduction of the elevator attendant role has proven effective without additional financial burden on SacRT.The program's success at the Watt Avenue station, being the only station with an elevator in Sacramento, has also contributed to improved functionality and cleanliness, making it a significant step in public transit environments.
