Stenger seeks to double county police presence on metrolink.... (St. Louis: tax, law) - Missouri (MO) - City-Data Forum

MUTGR · 03-09-2016, 12:49 PM

Stenger seeks to double St. Louis County police presence on MetroLink lines | Law and order | stltoday.com

...I didn't realize ridership was down the last couple of years.

Hector2 · 03-09-2016, 03:38 PM

They should spend some money on turnstiles and securing the platforms as well. How many mass transit systems work on the honor system for paying fares?

billiken · 03-09-2016, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hector2

How many mass transit systems work on the honor system for paying fares?

Fairly common. Per a 2012 article, 14 others in the US (parts of LA + 13 others mentioned in article). I have no idea if LA is entirely turnstiles now or not. I've been on some in Europe that are honor system as well.

Edited to add article: http://www.citylab.com/commute/2012/...r-cities/1910/

billiken · 03-09-2016, 03:57 PM

So frustrating. I was a frequent rider for 4 years when I didn't have a car. I wish the security firm they hired actually did something. In my experience, the security problem has little to do with the number of security personnel and everything to do with them being rent-a-cops who don't confront anything or even act like they give a darn. I really wish the tax increase we voted for was being used for actual transit services/expansion.

KarenElissa · 03-09-2016, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billiken

In my experience, the security problem has little to do with the number of security personnel and everything to do with them being rent-a-cops who don't confront anything or even act like they give a darn.

This. I ride both the train in the bus often, and I think this is the biggest problem. There are people around, but they are usually talking to each other or playing on their phones, they aren't paying attention to what is going on or doing anything about problems.

That said, I do generally feel perfectly safe and have never had a point where I was seriously concerned for my safety.

Hector2 · 03-10-2016, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billiken

Fairly common. Per a 2012 article, 14 others in the US (parts of LA + 13 others mentioned in article). I have no idea if LA is entirely turnstiles now or not. I've been on some in Europe that are honor system as well.

Edited to add article: Do Honor Systems on Mass Transit Work Better in Smaller Cities? - CityLab

Billiken, that is really interesting. I had no idea. Although, I'm still for turnstiles.

marigolds6 · 03-13-2016, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hector2

They should spend some money on turnstiles and securing the platforms as well. How many mass transit systems work on the honor system for paying fares?

San Diego is one of the best examples of a system that operates without turn styles. It is very tourist friendly to operate that way and, despite connecting into Tijuana, does not have the security reputation of MetroLink.
(Of course, the amount of security presence on the trains to the border is pretty high.)

carloslevy · 03-13-2016, 06:08 PM

I've taken it a few times - other than a few select passengers smelling like urine, I've never felt intimidated or had a problem.

mjtinmemphis · 03-13-2016, 06:15 PM

Metrolink feels safe. I've ridden it almost everyday for the past 2 years. There are some annoying passengers on the red line. Loud music and smell of marijuana. Never smelled urine or anything like. I have noticed a larger police presence over the past 2 weeks eliminating the annoying passengers. Ive also been asked for ticket almost everyday.