The King County Council is convening a special meeting to address serious transit safety concerns after the tragic murder of Metro bus driver Shawn Yim. Scheduled for January 13, the session will include a panel of key figures from the transit, health, and public safety sectors, highlighting the community's urgent response to increasing violence in public transportation. Organized by Councilmember Claudia Balducci, the meeting aims to explore actionable solutions to enhance safety protocols for both transit operators and passengers. The discussions will delve into current safety practices, review existing protocols, and gather insights from local, regional, and national best practices. The recent memorial for Yim, attended by thousands, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by transit workers.

Panelists will include representatives from the Amalgamated Transit Union, King County Sheriff’s Office, and Sound Transit. This focus on safety comes at a crucial time when public confidence in transit systems is paramount. The outcomes of the meeting could significantly shape future safety improvements within King County’s transit operations.