New Bills Roundup: Curbing MAX Crime With Classical Music

Portland Mercury:

Four proposed pieces of legislation pitch small changes to TriMet, three of them coming out of East Portland Representative Jefferson Smith's office.

"Safety on the MAX is a real priority. Budgetary constraints are a real reality," says Rep Smith. From that bind, Rep. Smith and some constituents came up with ideas for preventing crime on the MAX without spending much money.

The most original one of the bills is HB 2090, which directs TriMet to identify high-crime stations and then broadcast classical music at the stops (classical music being defined as "opera, chamber music, choral pieces and music requiring a full orchestra.")

"It just has sort of a calming influence. You could have annoying sounds, but the idea is Mozart doesn't bum too many people out," says Smith. Plenty of businesses have started using classical music to deter crime and loitering... though at MAX stops, people have to endure a certain amount of loitering while waiting for their train.

Read the full article here. Discuss below.