Safety main point of DFL lawmakers’ public transit plan

Monday, House DFL lawmakers are introducing their plan to make public transit safer for riders.

According to authorities, aggravated assaults have tripled since 2015. Additionally, Metro Transit police recently investigated a second homicide on a light rail train in the last five years.

Jan. 23, a man was stabbed to death on a light rail train near Bloomington.

Victim of fatal stabbing on light rail train identified

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office stated no charges would be filed because of the inability to prove the incident wasn’t self-defense-related.

Charges won’t be filed in Bloomington light rail stabbing, attorney’s office says

Monday, DFL state lawmakers in charge of overseeing Minnesota’s trains and buses will present a bill with a big focus on safety.

Those present expect to hear from people who have been affected by using public transit.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spoke with a couple of riders after the stabbing who said they ride with their guard up.

"It’s crazy, you know … it’s been getting kind of bad on the train, lately, you know, you don’t know if they need to step up security or whatnot," Terry Quinn, a light rail passenger, said.

Consequences for those who do not pay the fare to use public transit will also be addressed Monday. DFL lawmakers said they want to connect those who don’t pay the fare with services rather than criminal penalties.

Monday’s news conference will be held at 10:30 a.m.

Stay with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS and KSTP.com for the latest updates.