Friday, February 10, 2012

STORYLINE Light Rail Safety

This storyline has only one article

Viewing thru of

No high resolution image exists...

Loading images

I live in Rancho Cordova in an area where I question the safety of stopping to pump gas after dark. The light rail station in my neighborhood, which is near Mather Field and Folsom Blvd., is not the most friendly-looking location. I've never ventured to give the light rail a try.

But this system has many perks. It's convenient, you can catch a train either every 15 minutes or every half hour. There are 47 stations throughout the Sacramento area, 25 of these stations are connected with the bus system and 18 are park-and-ride stations where you can leave a vehicle.

The price can't be beat, with standard fare only $2.00 for a single trip and $5.00 per day. Discounts are available when you purchase tickets in bulk, as well as for certain individuals.

The question, however, still remains: Just how safe is it to ride the light rail?

The Regional Transit Police Services were designed to address safety concerns. Interested parties can read about them here.

I'm interested in hearing from community members about their own experiences on the light rail station. Do you ride the light rail often? How safe do you feel when riding the light rail after dark? Are there any stations that you intentionally avoid due to safety concerns? Do you feel that the risks are equal for males and females?

Rate

Community

2 Votes up

0 Votes down

Flag

Your Tags

Liked this article? Share it with your friends:

Conversation Express your views, debate, and be heard with those in your area closest to the issue.

Colleen Belcher

December 4, 2008 | 6:13 PM

I have never taken the light rail. I have taken BART and I didn't mind that system of transportation. I have always been hesitant to take light rail for safety reasons. I might be more comfortable if I went with a group. I guess the only way to find out for myself would be to actually ride it and see how it went. I wonder if Jon Q. RT Driver has any insight to offer.

0 0

John Boyer

December 4, 2008 | 10:14 PM

It needs work. Especially in The Rancho Cordova stretch. This area needs a bit more control than most.

0 0

Paul Cox

January 7, 2009 | 12:01 PM

I've heard of a number of situations involving the security force and groups of teens on the trains. Most of the bad stations are bad in the evening time. Rush hour is usually the safest time to be on the trains. Noon and late night should be avoided unless you cut an imposing figure. I do, but I still try and avoid eye contact or sitting in any but the first train, just to be safe.

The worst stations are Broadway, and most after city college. St Rose of Lima, and either of the Capital stops, 16th street, Alkali Flats, Del Paso, Swanson, and Watt/I-80.

If I were you, it's a good idea to invest in some pepper spray just in case. I also try to make my ipod as inconspicuous as possible.

The fares just went up to 2.25 and 6 respectively. RT used to be an ok deal, it's getting worse, as they raise fares and lower the number of buses and trips. It was bad enough when trips were sparse and timeliness was gone, but now there are even less trips, less buses, and still most can't keep to a schedule.

1 0

SacramentoCA

May 30, 2010 | 1:51 PM

If you have never taken the light rail before then definitely do not take it by yourself or with only one person go with a group. Also if you are from Folsom or any other suburb area do not take it to Florin!! I went with my neighbor yesterday and the light rail was too crowded so we had to sit on opposite sides of the light rail and these 5 teenagers stole his i-phone and wallet they also had a gun and a knife on them. I am never going to take the light rail to Florin again. I don't know what we were thinking. I talked to the police yesterday for a good hour and she said everything is pretty much safe through downtown Sacramento but as far as south sac NO.

0 0