Sound Transit says security guards will be removing people who smoke fentanyl or anything else aboard light-rail trains, an effort to address chronic complaints by transit riders and operators.
Drug use became common in 2021 and 2022 as transit agencies de-emphasized enforcement of all kinds and security staffs dwindled to almost zero.
The pendulum is swinging back, as both Sound Transit and Metro hire more guards, yet still strive to de-escalate conflicts.
The problem of onboard smoking made news when a fentanyl-smoking rider delayed 1 Line service by 10 minutes on Feb. 5. A train operator noticed fumes billowing into the control cab, then left the train at Angle Lake Station to seek medical attention, according to Sound Transit.
