A Turning Point for Transit Safety in King County, Washington
In the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy, a bold new step toward transit safety is being taken in King County, Washington. The formation of King County Metro’s Transit Safety Task Force was spurred into action by our Local 587-Seattle, WA, after the devastating murder of their Local Brother and Transit Operator Shawn Yim in December.
Local 587 Leads the Charge
Just hours after the tragedy, Local 587 called for systemic safety changes, and their swift, decisive leadership helped catalyze this initiative.
“Losing Shawn was a tragedy that shook this community and our entire Union. Transit operator safety is a public safety issue,” said International President John Costa. “Thank you to our Local 587 for your continued perseverance in calling on King County Metro and elected officials to increase protections and safety measures for our members and riders before this tragic event. Because of their leadership through this tragedy, we’re on the path to end this violence.”
Safety for All: A Shared Responsibility
The ATU has long been a leading advocate for improved safety measures for transit workers and riders. From pushing for physical barriers on buses to enhanced training and emergency protocols, our Union has consistently advocated for meaningful, on-the-ground reforms.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the ATU also successfully fought for the creation of Joint Safety Committees—giving transit workers a critical seat at the table when it comes to workplace safety decisions.
A Call to Action for Transit Agencies Nationwide
While the formation of the King County task force marks progress, Costa emphasized that more must be done—and quickly. “Not a day goes by that I don’t hear of a transit worker being shot, stabbed, spit on, verbally abused, and more,” he said. “Our transit agencies must do better, but all stakeholders must work collaboratively and urgently to develop comprehensive solutions.”
The ATU is urging transit agencies across North America to take similar steps, forming safety task forces and prioritizing worker protections. “The safety of our transit workers and their passengers should never be compromised,” Costa added.
Who’s at the Table?
The newly formed King County Metro Task Force includes a broad coalition: members of ATU Local 587, city and county leaders, public safety officials, transportation stakeholders, and representatives from King County Metro. Their collective mission is to develop actionable strategies that enhance the safety of public transit systems.
The task force is expected to release a comprehensive report by September 2025.