Little Saigon bus stops reopen despite ongoing crime crisis

Months after closing four bus stops near 12th Ave S. and Jackson St. in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood amid concerns for rider and driver safety, Metro reopened the stops Monday morning.

Metro closed the stops on December 16 after what they called “frequent illegal activity,” including what people who live and commute there said was a mix of homelessness, thefts from businesses, and an ongoing open-air drug market.

At the time, the closures impacted numerous bus routes, including routes 1, 7, 9, 14, 36, 60, and 106, and affected hundreds of bus riders.

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Rising crime rates in Little Saigon

Once a flourishing historic neighborhood, Little Saigon faced rising crime rates over the past several years, and many residents reported feeling unsafe. Many businesses also suffered after people broke into their shops after hours. Many of the businesses have installed metal bars and gates to protect storefronts and added fencing and razor wire to keep people out of parking lots during overnight hours.

King County Metro, along with the King County Sheriff’s Office and Seattle Police, have taken steps to increase safety in the area. However, on the morning of the reopening, many riders still expressed concerns to KIRO Newsradio. “No, I don’t feel safe here,” said one Metro rider, Mohammed, who expressed concern about the high number of homeless individuals. “I’ve heard stories about three people being stabbed here.”

In November, Seattle Police arrested a man they say stabbed 10 different people in the area of the bus stops. One week later, police say two men shot a woman at a nearby massage parlor after they held her at gunpoint and robbed her of more than $1,000.

Metro officials expressed appreciation for riders’ patience and emphasized their ongoing collaboration with law enforcement to improve safety. “Our bus operators and customers were both concerned about the situation,” said King County Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer. “Bus stops were overcrowded, which made it difficult to do our job, which is moving people.”

Before the closures, many community members held a meeting to urge local leaders to revitalize the area. Signs at the meeting read, “Save Little Saigon.” Since then, Seattle police have arrested 14 people in a targeted operation and seized thousands of dollars in drugs.

“With the help of the King County Sheriff’s Office and Seattle Police Department, we’ve seen some stability,” Switzer said. “Bus stops are much more accessible now, and the sidewalks are much more open.”

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Luke Duecy is a reporter, editor and anchor at KIRO Newsradio. Follow Luke on X, or email him here.