Crossposted from Metro Matters

On any given day, a King County Metro bus ride can be a crossroads—where someone heading to work might sometimes sit beside someone navigating homelessness, trauma or crisis. Metro’s Behavioral Health Support team was created for those moments. With compassion at the center of their work, these specialists show up in transit spaces to listen, de-escalate crisis and connect people to the care they deserve.

The Behavioral Health Support program or BHS is a partnership between Metro and Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), launched in April 2023 as part of the SaFE Reform Initiative.

Community members and Metro developed the program to provide a compassionate, human-centered approach to supporting riders in crisis. The program recognizes the need for non-uniformed personnel who can connect with community members in a supportive and approachable way and help link people to resources without judgment.

Beyond supporting riders in crisis, the BHS team also supports Metro employees. Their presence at transit centers and other key locations helps address concerns before they escalate, supports bus operators and frontline staff, and contributes to a safer environment for everyone. Read more.