TriMet rolls out blue light security phones for MAX stations

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – TriMet is installing new blue light phones across MAX stations in an effort to deter crime and ease commuter's safety concerns, the agency announced Friday.

The phones will give riders a direct line of communication with TriMet's 24/7 security staff to report suspicious behavior, vandalism, graffiti, or any other assistance needed.

TriMet installed the first phones at the Rose Quarter Transit Center and the Convention Center Station with plans to install more at stations along Interstate 84, around the Rose Quarter, and at the Gateway Transit Center. TriMet's long-term goal is to have the phones at most MAX stops and transit systems.

The phones are mounted on red towers with the word “Security” on the side and are marked with a blue light on top. TriMet explained the lights serve a dual purpose: they signal the location of the phones for those who need them, and they act as a crime deterrent.

The phones are also equipped with cameras to show the security team more views of the stations and show the person calling. The cameras will add to the more than 8,000 cameras already in the TriMet system and can be monitored in real-time.

TriMet said despite the widespread use of cell phones, blue-light security phones add more security, noting the system was invented more than 30 years ago and installed at the University of Chicago. The system is also used on local campuses including Portland State University and Portland Community College.

“While mobile phones are portable, not everyone has one handy. Even if they do, it may have low or no battery, and in a high-stress situation, it might be easier to push a button. There are also times when cell service drops completely, making blue-light security phones another layer of security and communication on our transit system,” TriMet said.

This marks the latest measure from the public transportation agency to address safety concerns and comes after recent attacks on MAX trains. This includes an incident in 2023 in which two teenagers were stabbed on a MAX train in Portland's Lents neighborhood. Adrian Cummins was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the attack.

In another recent attack, there was a deadly stabbing on a MAX train March 29 in Northeast Portland. In that case, 51-year-old Shondel Larkin faces second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon charges.

In July, a man identified as Moyasar Osman Mohamed-Ahmed surrendered to a Clackamas County deputy after he was suspected of a MAX platform murder.

TriMet noted Friday that the agency has increased its security staff to more than 460 personnel and added a 24-hour-a-day security hotline as a resource in 2023.