[gk90]

Can anyone give opinions and experiences about safety at the station?

Specifically what would it be like for a 5'3" female on her own to arrive on the Peter Pan bus around 11:30 PM or midnight on a Sunday night? There would be a friend picking up in a car. Is there a police or security guard presence? Is the area well lit? Are there safe waiting areas? I know that there are train or bus stations in NYC or Boston where this would be safe enough with the number of travelers around, but what about Hartford?

Thanks in advance.

[HumpDay]

Originally Posted by gk90

Can anyone give opinions and experiences about safety at the station?

Specifically what would it be like for a 5'3" female on her own to arrive on the Peter Pan bus around 11:30 PM or midnight on a Sunday night? There would be a friend picking up in a car. Is there a police or security guard presence? Is the area well lit? Are there safe waiting areas? I know that there are train or bus stations in NYC or Boston where this would be safe enough with the number of travelers around, but what about Hartford?

Thanks in advance.

You should be fine. There are vendors and small restaurants like a Dunkin Donuts inside that may be open. There's a good amount of people around at all times but at midnight there's a small amount of people around since the bus terminal shares the same building with its train terminal. The waiting areas are safe with cameras, some lights, and benches. There may be some homeless people wandering around like any other major city as well as the small chance of moochers but I wouldn't worry. Police drive around the area occasionally since the highway is nearby as well as the city police department headquarters. I highly doubt you'll be alone since there will be people in the same boat as you waiting for a ride.

[gk90]

Thanks for the quick response, maybe my concerns are based on dated information? Not long ago I heard someone talking about living in Hartford 28 years ago and seeing lots of drug dealers and addicts.

This website with its high crime statistics didn't help either.
Hartford, CT Crime Rates & Statistics
Hartford, CT crime rate is 147% higher than the Connecticut average and is 80% higher than the national average. Looking at violent crime specifically, Hartford, CT has a violent crime rate that is 366% higher than the Connecticut average and 202% higher than the national average
◦Hartford is safer than 5% of the cities in the United States.Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

[HumpDay]

Originally Posted by gk90

Thanks for the quick response, maybe my concerns are based on dated information? Not long ago I heard someone talking about living in Hartford 28 years ago and seeing lots of drug dealers and addicts.

This website with its high crime statistics didn't help either.
Hartford, CT Crime Rates & Statistics
Hartford, CT crime rate is 147% higher than the Connecticut average and is 80% higher than the national average. Looking at violent crime specifically, Hartford, CT has a violent crime rate that is 366% higher than the Connecticut average and 202% higher than the national average
◦Hartford is safer than 5% of the cities in the United StatesModerator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Hartford does have a bad reputation when it comes to crime but it has improved quite a bit since the 80's. While drugs are very common, as long as you don't get involved with the dealers and addicts then you're fine. I've lived in the West End for more than 30 years and I suggest that you don't get near them, talk to them, or give eye contact. Use your judgement to guess who may up to no good. Most of the crime such as murders and assaults are happening in a few neighborhoods particularly in the North End which isn't close to Union Station. The bus terminal is right outside downtown which is usually the busiest area when it comes to the amount of cops and foot traffic. Downtown and the West End are the safest in the city. I've walked around every part of the city at night except the North End and felt no threat whatsoever. Just avoid dark alleys and corners, crowds of people that you suspect are up to no good, and hide all valuables out of plain sight. Maybe have a conversation with someone while on the bus ride and you guys may end up continue talking while waiting for your rides.

[mlassoff]

I wouldn't worry about it. The area is relatively safe. There are clubs and restaurants that are less than a block away.