In response to growing concerns expressed by commuters and transit users, and increased maintenance, I have asked the City Attorney to look into upgrading city ordinance, similar to other jurisdictions to address the loitering and general bad behavior interfering with users of the Transit Center. Most problems seem to be originating from the nearby R. Rex Parris Continuation High School.

City codes have recently been updated to prohibit skateboard use, a common complaint of elderly transit riders that have been forced to dodge discourteous skaters to avoid collisions. Damage to transit center structures also occurs as riders challenge themselves by using these to grind on and jump.

There has been vandalism and panhandling, and restrooms are regularly trashed, especially in the after school hours, just before the start of the evening commuter crush begins. I have observed it first hand myself, as a MetroLink rider.

Bus riders have complained about being subjected to intimidating and vulgar behavior, and being forced out of bus shelters at the Transit Center and around the city, often by non-transit users and thugs.

Bringing this to the attention of the school officials and students has been ineffective.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit additional activities or loitering about the Transit Center without legitemate purpose, specifically, possession of a bus pass or train ticket, and would prohibit interfering with other users. Violation could be prosecuted as tresspassing.

In addition, I have asked staff to insist the LASD Transit Detail make more of a pro=activev presence at our facility, especially during the after school hours. MetroLink contracts with the Sheriff to patrol Metro facilities, but their presence at Palmdale, Lancaster and Acton stations seems few and far between.

Please e-mail me at "shofbauer@cityofpalmdale.org" if you have thoughts on this subject.