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There’s a common perception in the U.S. that taking public transit is dangerous. It's actually safer than driving.
(www.scientificamerican.com)
this post was submitted on 29 Aug 2026
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Personal experience and thus anecdotal I know, but the light rail line I used to take for work has had issues to say the least. A coworker ended up murdered in one of the more secluded stations two years ago. I've personally had a taser pulled on my face only to find out the guy was trying to sell it. All the cars reek of piss and I've seen someone having a mental health crisis try to peel off the thin padding off one of the seats.
I really want public transit to work but it does require a firm hand to keep people in line and safe in such enclosed areas. It's one of the few venues I'd actually welcome some increased security and fare enforcement in.
Those issues aren't intrinsic to the situation, the solutions are rooted in better social services and education, so people aren't struggling with untreated issues to begin with.
I almost puked while this 40 something yr old Asian women across from me on the subway methodically peeled skin off of her bare feet.
Everyone banded together and threw her off at the next stop, right?