CobbLinc to deploy safety guards at key switch stations by February

COBB COUNTY, Ga. – Cobb County is beefing up safety at its CobbLinc bus stops. On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners authorised a plan to publish safety guards on the two switch stations.

“Safety guards on the bus station are wanted,” stated Shawn Watkins.

Watkins rides CobbLinc every single day. He says he has seen just a few issues that make him really feel unsafe. 

“I’ve seen frequent drug use, fights, even fights with the bus drivers. You wish to thoughts your individual enterprise, simply look ahead and get to the place you are alleged to be,” stated Watkins. 

Quickly, safety guards shall be patrolling CobbLinc’s two very busy switch stations. One is close to Cumberland Mall, and the opposite is on South Marietta Parkway. 

“Security and safety for patrons, people utilizing our system in addition to the bus drivers who’re working the system. That is actually to offer the eyes and ears, boots on the bottom,” stated Drew Raessler, Cobb DOT director. 

Raessler says they’ve been contemplating including safety guards for some time. He says transit programs throughout the nation are seeing incidents of bodily violence or threats of violence. 

Simply this month, a MARTA bus driver in DeKalb County was shot and killed. Police say the taking pictures was over a dispute in regards to the $2.50 fare. Three teenagers have been arrested. 

“Definitely, the incidents we have seen domestically and throughout the nation have added import to the aim of doing this,” stated Raessler. 

The unarmed guards will patrol the stations and reply to safety threats and emergencies. They’re going to alert the police if obligatory. 

“If one thing does come up the place we want an acceptable response, we bought nice responsive companions in Marietta and the county, so we’ll allow them to do their work, they’re the professionals,” stated Raessler. 

Sasha M. says she already feels safer figuring out the safety guards will quickly be out right here. 

“It makes me really feel very safe, particularly me being a girl,” stated Sasha. 

The fee shall be $300,000 for a yr. Half the cash will come from grants, the remainder from Cobb’s transit fund. The safety guards are anticipated to be in place by the top of February.