RICHLAND, Wash. — Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) will begin deploying contracted security officers at transit centers and on randomly selected bus routes starting Monday, February 23, 2026. According to a press release, these officers aim to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for employees, passengers and community members.
The security officers, employed under a contract with Phoenix Security Corporation, will conduct visible patrols to deter criminal activity and promptly respond to incidents. BFT staff emphasized that these officers are not federal ICE officers.
A key focus of their duties will be conflict prevention and de-escalation, engaging individuals respectfully while maintaining authority. BFT staff believe that deploying these officers will enhance public trust and rider safety across the transit network.
Ben Franklin Transit serves the Tri-Cities area, spanning Benton and Franklin Counties. The agency celebrated 40 years of service in 2022 and has expanded to over 400 vehicles and almost 800 bus stops since its inception in 1982.
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