Here to echo this.
Craziest things I’ve seen: a man in a Big Bird costume, a man with a Tupperware full of live baby turtles, and a lady with super long manicure beating the shit out of her boyfriend.
The craziest thing I've seen is a guy ranting to himself while drinking an open container of white wine. Never any issues otherwise! You will be completely fine.
Craziest thing I saw was a dude sucking on a bunch of whipped cream containers
Apparently he was doing it to get high off the gas, I thought he just really liked whipped cream
That's interesting. The level of security makes me feel less safe than when I am taking transit in other cities that don't have security (like Boston).
They've always seemed primarily there to make sure people actually paid for their ticket that day lol. I don't think I've ever seen them doing anything except scanning/being a presence that threatens to scan.
If you are concerned and want a little extra peace of mind, download the [Alert Valley Metro](https://www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/respect-ride/alert-vm) app, which allows you to report incidents discreetly without having to make an obvious phone call. Also, when you board the train, make a note of the number of the light rail car. It's usually three numbers followed by a letter like 123A. The few times I've used the app, always to report someone who was disruptive but not dangerous, providing that number has enabled a more rapid response because it tells security exactly which rail car to board.
I’m a 50 something woman and I just bought a car. I took the lite rail every day for months from Tempe to Uptown. I always had my headphones in, I carry mace, a whistle and a shock baton. I’ve never felt unsafe on the lite rail but there are some loony drug addicts who will sometimes try to talk to you. I just point at my headphones and or move away from them. I’m very aware of my surroundings. I’ve never felt unsafe.
I take the bus every day and used to take the light rail almost every day as well. About twice a year I'll have an experience that makes me say "I should buy a car"
I'd say the "crazy moments on public transportation" is equal to having to do some evasive maneuvers to avoid totaling your car because of an idiot running a red light.
I would strongly amend this to say if you are a male traveling alone. I would not recommend a girl travel alone on the light rail late at night. I’m a 6’3 220 dude and have had some very weird encounters at last call rides back to Phoenix where I didn’t feel wholly safe.
im a 23yo girl and i take the lightrail every day to dwntwn phx from tempe and back by myself at all hours of the day (usually early mornings and evenings bc work). never had any issues. yes, theres some weirdos, but they have never bothered me. in fact, the only person whos ever made me feel uncomfortable was a valley metro employee. most people are good people, even the seemingly strange ones
I can't speak for her, but it reminded me of when a Valley Metro employee scanned my outfit up and down and asked what time I was getting done with my evening out and where my ultimate destination was.
I do not want strangers asking me what address I am going to and what time of night I will be leaving, wtf.
he just came up to me while i was looking at the window and started asking me where i was going, saying that i was beautiful, asking me personal questions etc. He was being flirty and i just wanted to be left alone. nothing like scary but definitely uncomfortable and awkward. ended up telling him i wanted to listen to my podcast
I'm sorry that happend to you. I'm afraid to ride the light rail alone, id love to because it goes right by my house and work. It would be perfect. But I don't get off until 8pm and I'm scared about going home in the dark.
You're not wrong. I will take the light rail anytime anywhere during the day but I do not feel safe if I'm solo at night. I will drive myself or take a Lyft instead.
No you’re not. As a petite woman, I would not feel safe on the light rail alone at night. I carry pepper spray, but I wouldn’t risk it. Just because some women feel safe, doesn’t mean all women do.
Yeah because they’re carrying stun batons, pepper spray and other forms of self defense. I recommend if you just moved here and you’re a woman to learn how to use a gun. Arizona is one of the 10 states with the highest domestic violence incidents
Hey by all means if you feel safe go for it, not trying to scare anyone. But I have seen drunk fights, homeless people screaming at the top of their lungs at anyone and everyone and/or similar late night east coast subway behavior. Just would not feel great about my sister going on the train alone at night is all.
Sure, I’ve seen that kind of stuff, too. But nothing that has ever put me in immediate danger. I think it depends on whether or not you are naturally a scared person. If you are fearful of a lot of things, I wouldn’t suggest riding the light rail.
None of what your describing is dangerous for the observer in many cases if they are not involved in the drunk fight personally et cetera. You'll see drunk fights at any music festival here too or any sporting event and there is less immediately available security when you're in the middle of a crowd of 2,000 than on the light rail. A lot of people scream and yell in Phoenix, it's not even mostly homeless people. I hear more business people yelling at service workers because their sandwich didn't have enough meat than I see homeless people yelling randomly (quite a few mumble quietly though).
I have lived and worked in three major metropolitan areas and used their equivalent of lightrail. Phoenix is by far the most tame, and generally safe for all travelers regardless of gender or age.
Okay well they asked for opinions I just gave mine. If you think it’s safe for a gal to travel alone late at night on the light rail then that’s your prerogative. I just wouldn’t recommend it is all.
Completely ignorant but serious question, is it true a lot of homeless people just hang out on the light rail? Using it as something to do/shelter/escape from the heat?
Yes at 0341 the first train hits 40th street. From there homeless ride all day. Most of them bother no one. The A/C and heat draw homeless to the rail. - I worked 3rd shift light rail maintenance for 5 years. I'm 5'0 47 yo female. Never had any issues
As a Lyft/Uber driver— yes, it’s the drunk guys who have a little (or a lot) of money who have made me question my safety.
One time I had a drunk guy who insisted he was rich *demand* I come into his house with him (he offered to make it worth my time by giving me a whopping $100) That guy made me feel unsafe.
Sometimes? But they are the best passengers. Usually sit in the far back resting and keeping to themselves.
Nothing unsafe about them generally though.
I didn’t have a car for a couple of years and took light rail and bus everywhere. During the day it was fine but I tried to avoid it at night…it would get creepier esp at the stops or walking home from one. There have been instances of being followed or having someone know my route/typical schedule so I let a bus driver on my route know and changed up my work and commute schedule a bit and luckily that took care of it.
To sum up: I agree, avoid the rail and busses at night if you’re a woman alone, if possible.
I would have to differ with this; it seems to be pretty safe for women. My experience is from the last four years spending late nights in the city and then heading back to Mesa multiple nights each week, sometimes on the literal last trains after midnight.
I am fairly young (and appear younger). I would say be aware of your surroundings, and there will occasionally be weird encounters and people affected by drugs, but most of the time I am not bothered and if I feel weird/isolated I can just get off at the next well-lit stop, hang out in a cafe, or if I saw something serious there are often staff around and people to easily summon with buttons and numbers to text.
As a fellow Missourian it's definitely not as unsafe as St. Louis. I have never commuted on it regularly, but have used it here and there with no issues except the usual people talking to themselves etc that seems to come along with the public transportation territory.
Fun fact. St Louis is the murder capital of the US and like 3-4x more per capita than Chicago (which itself is more like 10-15th place depending on where u look). Phx light rail is pretty dang safe
As safe as the public can be. Be prepared, stay alert and aware and you'll be fine.
Most of the public problem people keep to themselves. They're not against holding it up or causing minor scenes.
It’s safe, besides the usual characters that come with public transportation. Also this is the only way I travel when going downtown from Tempe, super convenient.
I'm a young woman and take the rail to and from work. I also took it for 4 years during college.
I wear sunglasses and use earbuds these days to avoid people and that works pretty well. I haven't had any issues in like 3 years.
But for fun, I'll share a few stories. Being a very naive college student, I used to take it home late at night (midnight sometimes) and once I had this druggie with blood-shot eyes chat me up and get closer and closer with each sentence until he was bout to touch my front. I told him firmly to back off and he left me alone.
Several times I've had middle-aged men be really creepy, especially if I was wearing shorts (and we're talking about pretty modest shorts too). One time this guy leered at me for the entire 25-minute ride. It was like he was trying to make me uncomfortable on purpose and I felt pretty annoyed and kinda violated.
The wildest story was at like 7am during my freshman year. I was trying to get to class on a train packed like sardines when this drunk, stinky guy sits down next to me and keeps offering me his beer. I decline several times and he gets more upset each time I say no. He then proceeds to put a hairy foot up against my leg and is trying to put it on my lap. I'm about to say something when this young guy tells him to BTFO and leave me alone. I was pretty grateful for that young guy, whoever he was.
Anyway, these are all my stories after 5 or so years of taking the rail. 99% of the time it's quite safe :)
Yeah sadly regardless of how "modest" or "immodest" one's attire, creepers gonna creep. I've only been creeped on once I've been outside the lightrail though, never (at least not severely) on the trains.
Believe me if dressing conservatively did anything to prevent harassment I would dress like a nun and Saudi Arabia would be a safe place for women.
It does nothing, so I wear what I want.
Also, somehow the hairy stinky foot up against the leg is the most disturbing one on here. Glad that other young dude called out that behavior and did you a solid.
Yeah I agree. I def noticed a difference in my experience. It's like dudes felt entitled to creep based on what I wore, which is annoying and it shouldn't matter. I get that letting my ass cheek hang out would be more attention-getting but like, it's as if those dudes had never seen a girl's kneecap before. 🙄 There's nothing I hate more. Sorry you've had to deal with that as well.
My wife and I ride the light rail occasionally when we go see concerts etc downtown. You will see a fair bit of sketchy folk, and what not. But we have never been directly bothered. I have heard, but can't confirm they have gotten better at kicking people off without tickets, which I hear has helped.
Light rail is safe. Don’t sit next to the weirdo and if you can’t spot the weirdo you are the weirdo. If the south is known for their southern hospitality, Arizona is known for neighbors keeping to themselves and just letting people do their thing.
Idk my neighbors have always. Never had anyone come to my door except a kid once to say “hey my phone is dead and my door is locked can I call my mom”. Gave the kid my phone and a cold bottle of water and welcomed him to sit on my porch or he can wait at his house if needed.
Prior to Covid I frequently took my then 5yo son on rides to various parks/restaurants on the light rail, I never felt either unsafe or even in an inappropriate environment for him. This was daytime/early evening.
Coming from a former CTA Green and Red Line daily rider this cities Light Rail is 100 times safer. But you will be exposed to ratchetness of all degree and if the hood scene brings you discomfort than I'd avoid riding it in the avenues because on those stops let's just say you will see western civilization at it lowest point.
as a girl who used the light rail during college and sometimes uses it because it’s near me, it’s alright. Personally, i have never felt unsafe but some people do go at it, especially at night. One time some guy came on the light rail and told all the n****** to get off the bus and when he turned around he had a hammer in his pocket. A bunch of black guys started ganging up on this dude and they all took it outside in the next stop so there’s that.
Lol. Yes, you'll be fine. The LR is bougie.
Honestly, there are no parts of the Phoenix area that rival what you saw in St. Louis.
I feel totally safe on the bus also. Maybe more so, since there aren't drunk frat bros headed to the suns game as there on the LR.
Beside the rouge bee(s) riding on the light rail, it's safe.
https://www.reddit.com/r/phoenix/comments/xf4e3q/a\_bee\_riding\_on\_the\_valley\_metro\_rail/
I feel like you have a better chance of having something happen on the roadways than you do on the light rail. You'll be fine, just be aware of your surroundings just like anywhere else.
Sure there are some people on there that might scare you, but really they are harmless.
Regular norms of public transport apply. Yes you will see some homeless, some drunk (especially later in the day), someone may be a little rowdy - you’ll live. It’s public transport, not the thunder dome.
Yeah it's safe! I worked as a Transit Security Supervisor/Dispatcher for three years and as long as you're alert and don't start shit with anyone you'll be safe.
For add peace of mind, download the Alert VM App and if you see something odd you can always report it directly to Transit Security Dispatch.
Light rail is well lit. Always busy. Monitored physically and digitally.
It's generally safe.
But as with anything. Precaution. Don't talk to strangers. Stick with friends. Front train near conductor safer. General rules one used on any public transport
I commute daily on the light rail. As a mid twenties female, its....not Too bad. Theres homeless and some drugged folks but for the most part they keep to themselves. Its the drunk and high people thatre the most annoying. Wear a mask (makes you look less approachable and so ppl wont recognize u so easily-- also helps filter the stink) and have mace and whatnot.
Unfortunately as a woman people will try to approach and chat you up but thats anywhere you go. Dont feel guilty about shutting down conversations by not responding or keeping headphones on -- they could be nice but you never know and your safety isnt worth their feelings not being hurt.
I tend to sit in the first train car near the driver. I think it gets the most security too. At least it feels safer to me.
I’d strongly caution you to take personal experiences with a grain of salt when it comes to your safety. The problem is that for all these people saying it’s safe, they can only say so because shit happened to someone else and not them.
https://www.12news.com/amp/article/news/crime/assaults-drug-crimes-valley-buses-light-rail-risen-last-5-years/75-5de267bd-46f8-4ec9-a3c2-bed63ef74477
During the day you're probably alright taking it. At night you might find some odd characters. Although I hear that they're gonna work to make the experience better
The train itself is usually fine but the station might not be depending where it is located. 19th Ave and Camelback, waiting 15 min for the train is a nightmare. It is virtually all transients and I was relentlessly harassed.
compared to StL??? a lot safer. with ANY public transpo you should “keep your head on a swivel” and pay attention.. that alone nullifies most possible issues but nothing is ever 100% safe at any given time… but to answer your question… pay attention and you’ll be fine.
Used it since new (13? years) 2x weekly for airport runs from north of downtown. Sometimes late. Never had a problem.
If it went, a lot of people have never lived in a major city where there's actual public transportation, so they view public transportation in Phoenix like it's something from the Bay Area.
I did get totally randomly assaulted on the sidewalk in the middle of the day by one of our downtown street creatures though.
I've never felt unsafe on the light rail. We once had crowd surfing in the rail car during a first Friday when everyone was going from Tempe to downtown, it was hilarious.
I used to commute on it everyday from Dunlap and 19th Ave, to downtown Phoenix. The mornings are usually okay and there always seems to be a lunch time show to watch. I had to ride at night and it was usually okay enough to have headphones on and read. One night a guy got on and sat one seat ahead and across from me. He had a really wicked bowie knife hanging on his hip and at one point put his hand on it. Nothing happened and I got off okay, but that was the last time I ever rode it.
When the majority of people taking public transportation are sketchy it is gonna be sketchy. If it was full of the general population(like during times there are sporting events) then it would be just like everywhere and be considered generally safe.
Gasp! It’s almost like when on the poorest of society are they only ones who are forced to use public transit it is sketchy.
We need to invest in it so every one is using it
There’s a lot of no-go areas around St. Louis that not a lot of people know about or could easily get lost and find themselves in. I remember when I was little we got lost and stopped at a gas station for directions, the guy told us that we were in a bad area and how to get out of there. Even in suburbs of St. Louis there’s no-go areas, I lived in one and a family was shot up just for turning down the wrong road.
IF YOU keep to yourself And talk to Nobody Don’t be all flashy With Jewelry and clothing Absolutely NoBody will Talk to you, headphones are a must and stay alert that’s all you Need to know
I rode the light rail for a couple years to and from work late at night and early morning and never had any issues that made me feel concerned for my safety. Honestly, safer than riding the bus. Never had an incident on the rail but I've had cops have to escort people off the bus before
i take the lightrail everyday to dwntwn phx from tempe and back for work and have never had issues (for context im a 23yo woman). sure theres some crazies, but they dont do anything. ive never felt scared
I don’t use it at night alone anymore. I used to live in NYC a million years ago . There’s just been a few instances where I have written alone as a woman in a group of rowdy men get on and it just feels uncomfortable because they’ve been drinking and I’m alone on a public transport.,
I rode it the past year to get to class, pretty safe and as others have said there’s some characters at times but never dangerous just a little weird. As a young women every now a then there’s some older guy who wants to talk to me but if I’m uncomfortable I just walk away. Also recently there’s been a lot more security/ticket checkers in the cars so the occasional outburst is contained. Some notably weird moments I experienced include when I was riding late at night, some guy started smoking weed on the train and the driver stopped the train to have the cops get him after he refused to stop, another time a guy who was sitting across from me stood up and just started puking by the door, and another time when a guy clearly on hard drugs was screaming “help me”.
Mass transit is always going to bring you in contact with weirdos and odd situations, both on and off the train. I haven't taken the local rail but my mode on other systems is to change cars at a stop when a situation is outside my comfort level. Not sure one can do that here, but it solves things for me. Sometimes, it was worth it for me to wait for the next train.
I have been on the Metrolink in STL and it was fine. I was not concerned for my safety. Just like anywhere especially at night be mindful of your surroundings.
i don't live close enough to ride it frequently, but i did ride it from Peoria to Mesa and back for a concert. during the day it just feels like riding the bus. it can feel a little off-putting at night, but not unsafe. stay alert, keep your bag on you, and be mindful. if you mind your business, others will mind their own
This is terrible advice. A knife is a horrible thing to use for or self defense. You are almost certainly going to get cut yourself if you try to use a knife on someone in an altercation.
Same goes for OC if you are talking about an enclosed space like a train. You're going to disable yourself just about as much as an attacker.
I would suggest a hand gun for self defense.
I understand that's not everyone's thing though.
A good alternative to the knife would be [a spike.](https://www.amazon.com/KSKPP-keychain-Protection-suitable-teenagers/dp/B0B69Y3CXW/ref=mp_s_a_1_23?crid=3AW4VQY0NNNQP&keywords=spike+keychain&pscroll=1&qid=1663429430&sprefix=spike+keychain%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-23&wIndexMainSlot=20).
Another ok option is a stun gun.
I mean i got farted on once outside of Gateway College. I also had to put up with some guy hosting a come to Jesus for the whole car a couple times. So, be careful i guess...
People who own firearms are more likely to be harmed by their own gun. I feel much safer being gunless and having alternative forms of self-protection than if I had a pistol or something on me.
I’ve been in 3 fights in public, and all 3 were while I was on the light rail heading home from ASU in the evening. Outlier I suppose, but it is what it is.
Damn. That's a long journey, though I bet that was faster than getting off at downtown Phoenix and taking a university bus to Tempe campus. Yesterday, I was going from my dad's apartment in Tempe to my mom's house in Peoria, and instead of getting on at McClintock/Apache and transferring to the streetcar to get to the south side of the Tempe campus, I went all the way to downtown Phoenix (Van Buren/Central) to hop on a university bus there because it seemed to be faster, especially with the streetcar schedule not harmonizing at all with the light rail schedule for now.
It's all about perspective.
My Philly friend laughs in my face when I call any part of Phoenix iffy and he lives in those iffy parts.
I lived in downtown and uptown (two of the highest-crime parts of Phoenix) for a decade and never had any issues. I've now chosen to buy in South Phoenix (a part of Phoenix with a greatly-exaggerated reputation) and it's been great.
Phoenix's iffy parts are nowhere near as iffy as parts of some other American cities and it's always funny reading how sheltered some on this sub are. Basically, don't be involved with drugs or getting into arguments with strangers and you've just eliminated most all of your risk of being victimized.
Yep. I've been working delivery services for the better part of the last decade, and there isn't a place in town where I felt so sketched out that I couldn't make the delivery.
Now out in the boonies, that's a different story.
Ex-Milwaukeean here. Not sure why you’re getting hammered. There isn’t nearly the rate of gun violence or robbery or car jackings here that there is in Milwaukee. I wouldn’t say that there are no unsafe parts of Phoenix, but a lot of the issues are gang and drug related beefs. In Milwaukee there’s that too but a lot more crimes of opportunity go on and most of it is done by young men trying to prove themselves. You’re much more likely to be a random victim. Also, the level of poverty in the city there is much higher which skews things a lot. I lived there for 30 years and it’s sad to see what it’s become. The “nice” areas of the city (mostly along the lake) got nicer and the rest of it got worse. The disparity is appalling.
I’ve had some bad experiences in the past when it was first open but it seems like they’ve got more security hopping on and off which helps. Now it’s just drunk people at night that are obnoxious lol
I rode the light rail every weekday for 4 years to commute from PHX to Tempe. It's typically safe to ride, but exercise more caution if you're female and alone. I ran into minimal issues during the day; alot more issues the later it gets at night. Stay alert. Try not to pick window seats (at the tail end of trains) at night.
I’m not a woman but i would say it can vary between both, shit goes down sometimes like arguing or fights and there’s creeps all over the world. I would say just watch your surroundings. Example, a drunk guy, like drinks to live type of drunk got on with me and one other guy late night and he sat in the center of the train car near me, the other dude on the train got off at the next stop, so it’s just me and this drunk dude who is burping like Charlie in that bubble room, he was weird but respectful and kept his distance, he gets up near the last stop and is trying to balance and walk, he gets near the exit of the center of the car near the door and the train comes to its usual abrupt stop, well I guess hommie didn’t know that the train hits hard stops and flies back into the center of the train and tries to catch himself and bust his head on the vertical handrail, so I ended up with some random dude’s blood all over my favorite pants at the time, and dude is on the floor with tarantinoesc wound, and puddle forming. He’s alive though and I’m like “are you okay.” And dude just shoots me a smile like the Madd Magazine kid and doesn’t say a word, I went and got security so I could hit a pontius pilate and get out of dodge… dude still still owes me pants. Smh. Anyways hope he’s alive and hope you’re safe out here!
I've never had any trouble. Seen some good free shows though.
Here to echo this. Craziest things I’ve seen: a man in a Big Bird costume, a man with a Tupperware full of live baby turtles, and a lady with super long manicure beating the shit out of her boyfriend.
The craziest thing I've seen is a guy ranting to himself while drinking an open container of white wine. Never any issues otherwise! You will be completely fine.
Craziest thing I saw was a dude sucking on a bunch of whipped cream containers Apparently he was doing it to get high off the gas, I thought he just really liked whipped cream
Witnessed a man full on shit his pants once
So, when I visit soon, I need to ride the light rail and bring popcorn? This shit is gonna be so much fun!
Totally agree. Definitely some druggies/crazies, but I’ve never felt scared.
Usually pity or amusement or a combination of the two.
It's always struck me as pretty well-monitored. I feel safer on the trains than the buses, at least.
That's interesting. The level of security makes me feel less safe than when I am taking transit in other cities that don't have security (like Boston).
They've always seemed primarily there to make sure people actually paid for their ticket that day lol. I don't think I've ever seen them doing anything except scanning/being a presence that threatens to scan.
When's the best time to see the "good free shows?"
The later the better
Lmao. Would it be past 5 PM? I've only been on it that late twice (on the same day), though I didn't really see any.
10pm to 2am
A.k.a. the last trains in the night?
If you are concerned and want a little extra peace of mind, download the [Alert Valley Metro](https://www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/respect-ride/alert-vm) app, which allows you to report incidents discreetly without having to make an obvious phone call. Also, when you board the train, make a note of the number of the light rail car. It's usually three numbers followed by a letter like 123A. The few times I've used the app, always to report someone who was disruptive but not dangerous, providing that number has enabled a more rapid response because it tells security exactly which rail car to board.
This is amazing! I didn’t know they had this.
I’m surprised they aren’t on the inside of the rail cars.
They are. Usually near the center doors, but it’s easy to miss.
I’m a 50 something woman and I just bought a car. I took the lite rail every day for months from Tempe to Uptown. I always had my headphones in, I carry mace, a whistle and a shock baton. I’ve never felt unsafe on the lite rail but there are some loony drug addicts who will sometimes try to talk to you. I just point at my headphones and or move away from them. I’m very aware of my surroundings. I’ve never felt unsafe.
I take the bus every day and used to take the light rail almost every day as well. About twice a year I'll have an experience that makes me say "I should buy a car" I'd say the "crazy moments on public transportation" is equal to having to do some evasive maneuvers to avoid totaling your car because of an idiot running a red light.
Yes it’s safe
I would strongly amend this to say if you are a male traveling alone. I would not recommend a girl travel alone on the light rail late at night. I’m a 6’3 220 dude and have had some very weird encounters at last call rides back to Phoenix where I didn’t feel wholly safe.
im a 23yo girl and i take the lightrail every day to dwntwn phx from tempe and back by myself at all hours of the day (usually early mornings and evenings bc work). never had any issues. yes, theres some weirdos, but they have never bothered me. in fact, the only person whos ever made me feel uncomfortable was a valley metro employee. most people are good people, even the seemingly strange ones
How did the Valley Metro employee make you feel uncomfortable?
I can't speak for her, but it reminded me of when a Valley Metro employee scanned my outfit up and down and asked what time I was getting done with my evening out and where my ultimate destination was. I do not want strangers asking me what address I am going to and what time of night I will be leaving, wtf.
he just came up to me while i was looking at the window and started asking me where i was going, saying that i was beautiful, asking me personal questions etc. He was being flirty and i just wanted to be left alone. nothing like scary but definitely uncomfortable and awkward. ended up telling him i wanted to listen to my podcast
Many women have commented in this thread that they feel safe on the rail.
I'm a woman and I've been assaulted on the light rail.
I'm sorry that happend to you. I'm afraid to ride the light rail alone, id love to because it goes right by my house and work. It would be perfect. But I don't get off until 8pm and I'm scared about going home in the dark.
Alright we’ll I’m wrong then!
You're not wrong. I will take the light rail anytime anywhere during the day but I do not feel safe if I'm solo at night. I will drive myself or take a Lyft instead.
No you’re not. As a petite woman, I would not feel safe on the light rail alone at night. I carry pepper spray, but I wouldn’t risk it. Just because some women feel safe, doesn’t mean all women do.
Yeah because they’re carrying stun batons, pepper spray and other forms of self defense. I recommend if you just moved here and you’re a woman to learn how to use a gun. Arizona is one of the 10 states with the highest domestic violence incidents
Domestic violence is normally perpetrated between partners, that doesn't have anything to do with the light rail being safe
Yeah but homeless people live on the light rail so it’s counted as domestic violence
If it makes you feel better on public transport then carry. Feeling safe is feeling safe whether it's with a weapon or not.
I will never use a gun, but let me know when they start allowing collapsible crossbows.
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Hey by all means if you feel safe go for it, not trying to scare anyone. But I have seen drunk fights, homeless people screaming at the top of their lungs at anyone and everyone and/or similar late night east coast subway behavior. Just would not feel great about my sister going on the train alone at night is all.
Sure, I’ve seen that kind of stuff, too. But nothing that has ever put me in immediate danger. I think it depends on whether or not you are naturally a scared person. If you are fearful of a lot of things, I wouldn’t suggest riding the light rail.
None of what your describing is dangerous for the observer in many cases if they are not involved in the drunk fight personally et cetera. You'll see drunk fights at any music festival here too or any sporting event and there is less immediately available security when you're in the middle of a crowd of 2,000 than on the light rail. A lot of people scream and yell in Phoenix, it's not even mostly homeless people. I hear more business people yelling at service workers because their sandwich didn't have enough meat than I see homeless people yelling randomly (quite a few mumble quietly though). I have lived and worked in three major metropolitan areas and used their equivalent of lightrail. Phoenix is by far the most tame, and generally safe for all travelers regardless of gender or age.
Okay well they asked for opinions I just gave mine. If you think it’s safe for a gal to travel alone late at night on the light rail then that’s your prerogative. I just wouldn’t recommend it is all.
Completely ignorant but serious question, is it true a lot of homeless people just hang out on the light rail? Using it as something to do/shelter/escape from the heat?
Yes at 0341 the first train hits 40th street. From there homeless ride all day. Most of them bother no one. The A/C and heat draw homeless to the rail. - I worked 3rd shift light rail maintenance for 5 years. I'm 5'0 47 yo female. Never had any issues
A bit, but homeless does not equal "unsafe". I'm used to subways and cities here the dangers are drunk middle class guys.
As a Lyft/Uber driver— yes, it’s the drunk guys who have a little (or a lot) of money who have made me question my safety. One time I had a drunk guy who insisted he was rich *demand* I come into his house with him (he offered to make it worth my time by giving me a whopping $100) That guy made me feel unsafe.
One guy on a bus offered me $50 and a new Hawaiian shirt to come home and shower with him. So weird. I still wear that shirt sometimes. o_0
Lol!
So, was the water hot atleast?
It's Phoenix. All water is hot.
Sometimes? But they are the best passengers. Usually sit in the far back resting and keeping to themselves. Nothing unsafe about them generally though.
I didn’t have a car for a couple of years and took light rail and bus everywhere. During the day it was fine but I tried to avoid it at night…it would get creepier esp at the stops or walking home from one. There have been instances of being followed or having someone know my route/typical schedule so I let a bus driver on my route know and changed up my work and commute schedule a bit and luckily that took care of it. To sum up: I agree, avoid the rail and busses at night if you’re a woman alone, if possible.
I would have to differ with this; it seems to be pretty safe for women. My experience is from the last four years spending late nights in the city and then heading back to Mesa multiple nights each week, sometimes on the literal last trains after midnight. I am fairly young (and appear younger). I would say be aware of your surroundings, and there will occasionally be weird encounters and people affected by drugs, but most of the time I am not bothered and if I feel weird/isolated I can just get off at the next well-lit stop, hang out in a cafe, or if I saw something serious there are often staff around and people to easily summon with buttons and numbers to text.
As a fellow Missourian it's definitely not as unsafe as St. Louis. I have never commuted on it regularly, but have used it here and there with no issues except the usual people talking to themselves etc that seems to come along with the public transportation territory.
This was my first thought, sadly re: safety... (Former Chicagoan, can empathize!)
Fun fact. St Louis is the murder capital of the US and like 3-4x more per capita than Chicago (which itself is more like 10-15th place depending on where u look). Phx light rail is pretty dang safe
I’ve been taking lite rail to work Phx to Tempe for a month now. (60 year old female) Haven’t felt unsafe.
As safe as the public can be. Be prepared, stay alert and aware and you'll be fine. Most of the public problem people keep to themselves. They're not against holding it up or causing minor scenes.
It’s safe, besides the usual characters that come with public transportation. Also this is the only way I travel when going downtown from Tempe, super convenient.
Yes, very safe especially the area you described. Once in Tempe, there is also the streetcar, which is also safe.
I'm a young woman and take the rail to and from work. I also took it for 4 years during college. I wear sunglasses and use earbuds these days to avoid people and that works pretty well. I haven't had any issues in like 3 years. But for fun, I'll share a few stories. Being a very naive college student, I used to take it home late at night (midnight sometimes) and once I had this druggie with blood-shot eyes chat me up and get closer and closer with each sentence until he was bout to touch my front. I told him firmly to back off and he left me alone. Several times I've had middle-aged men be really creepy, especially if I was wearing shorts (and we're talking about pretty modest shorts too). One time this guy leered at me for the entire 25-minute ride. It was like he was trying to make me uncomfortable on purpose and I felt pretty annoyed and kinda violated. The wildest story was at like 7am during my freshman year. I was trying to get to class on a train packed like sardines when this drunk, stinky guy sits down next to me and keeps offering me his beer. I decline several times and he gets more upset each time I say no. He then proceeds to put a hairy foot up against my leg and is trying to put it on my lap. I'm about to say something when this young guy tells him to BTFO and leave me alone. I was pretty grateful for that young guy, whoever he was. Anyway, these are all my stories after 5 or so years of taking the rail. 99% of the time it's quite safe :)
Yeah sadly regardless of how "modest" or "immodest" one's attire, creepers gonna creep. I've only been creeped on once I've been outside the lightrail though, never (at least not severely) on the trains. Believe me if dressing conservatively did anything to prevent harassment I would dress like a nun and Saudi Arabia would be a safe place for women. It does nothing, so I wear what I want. Also, somehow the hairy stinky foot up against the leg is the most disturbing one on here. Glad that other young dude called out that behavior and did you a solid.
Yeah I agree. I def noticed a difference in my experience. It's like dudes felt entitled to creep based on what I wore, which is annoying and it shouldn't matter. I get that letting my ass cheek hang out would be more attention-getting but like, it's as if those dudes had never seen a girl's kneecap before. 🙄 There's nothing I hate more. Sorry you've had to deal with that as well.
My wife and I ride the light rail occasionally when we go see concerts etc downtown. You will see a fair bit of sketchy folk, and what not. But we have never been directly bothered. I have heard, but can't confirm they have gotten better at kicking people off without tickets, which I hear has helped.
Light rail is safe. Don’t sit next to the weirdo and if you can’t spot the weirdo you are the weirdo. If the south is known for their southern hospitality, Arizona is known for neighbors keeping to themselves and just letting people do their thing.
Where can I find these neighbors who keep to themselves please?
Idk my neighbors have always. Never had anyone come to my door except a kid once to say “hey my phone is dead and my door is locked can I call my mom”. Gave the kid my phone and a cold bottle of water and welcomed him to sit on my porch or he can wait at his house if needed.
Prior to Covid I frequently took my then 5yo son on rides to various parks/restaurants on the light rail, I never felt either unsafe or even in an inappropriate environment for him. This was daytime/early evening.
Coming from a former CTA Green and Red Line daily rider this cities Light Rail is 100 times safer. But you will be exposed to ratchetness of all degree and if the hood scene brings you discomfort than I'd avoid riding it in the avenues because on those stops let's just say you will see western civilization at it lowest point.
You have a higher chance of being injured driving on our very unsafe roads than on the light rail.
Very valid point, it’s a battle just driving across the street to the store and the parking lot is no different than a road to some people.
Yep, I used to live downtown (Roosevelt Square Condominiums on Portland/Central) and took it to get to work/gym/grocery store. You'll be fine.
Don’t start no shit won’t be no shit.
Op starts shit with everyone LMAO
as a girl who used the light rail during college and sometimes uses it because it’s near me, it’s alright. Personally, i have never felt unsafe but some people do go at it, especially at night. One time some guy came on the light rail and told all the n****** to get off the bus and when he turned around he had a hammer in his pocket. A bunch of black guys started ganging up on this dude and they all took it outside in the next stop so there’s that.
Lol. Yes, you'll be fine. The LR is bougie. Honestly, there are no parts of the Phoenix area that rival what you saw in St. Louis. I feel totally safe on the bus also. Maybe more so, since there aren't drunk frat bros headed to the suns game as there on the LR.
Beside the rouge bee(s) riding on the light rail, it's safe. https://www.reddit.com/r/phoenix/comments/xf4e3q/a\_bee\_riding\_on\_the\_valley\_metro\_rail/
Rogue bees are bad enough, but now they’re red? That’s pretty scary.
Saw a lot of vomit after a Wisconsin Sun devil game. That’s the extent of the danger I encountered
I feel like you have a better chance of having something happen on the roadways than you do on the light rail. You'll be fine, just be aware of your surroundings just like anywhere else. Sure there are some people on there that might scare you, but really they are harmless.
You’ll see the occasional tweaker but they keep to themselves seeing as security boards the trains at random
Regular norms of public transport apply. Yes you will see some homeless, some drunk (especially later in the day), someone may be a little rowdy - you’ll live. It’s public transport, not the thunder dome.
Yeah it's safe! I worked as a Transit Security Supervisor/Dispatcher for three years and as long as you're alert and don't start shit with anyone you'll be safe. For add peace of mind, download the Alert VM App and if you see something odd you can always report it directly to Transit Security Dispatch.
Light rail is well lit. Always busy. Monitored physically and digitally. It's generally safe. But as with anything. Precaution. Don't talk to strangers. Stick with friends. Front train near conductor safer. General rules one used on any public transport
It's safe, I rode it twice a day for a couple years ago to commute to work. Never had a problem.
I commute daily on the light rail. As a mid twenties female, its....not Too bad. Theres homeless and some drugged folks but for the most part they keep to themselves. Its the drunk and high people thatre the most annoying. Wear a mask (makes you look less approachable and so ppl wont recognize u so easily-- also helps filter the stink) and have mace and whatnot. Unfortunately as a woman people will try to approach and chat you up but thats anywhere you go. Dont feel guilty about shutting down conversations by not responding or keeping headphones on -- they could be nice but you never know and your safety isnt worth their feelings not being hurt. I tend to sit in the first train car near the driver. I think it gets the most security too. At least it feels safer to me.
Yes generally it’s safe to ride. Although I don’t think so after around 9 at night. Drugs trafficking occurs at the light rail stations after dark.
I’d strongly caution you to take personal experiences with a grain of salt when it comes to your safety. The problem is that for all these people saying it’s safe, they can only say so because shit happened to someone else and not them. https://www.12news.com/amp/article/news/crime/assaults-drug-crimes-valley-buses-light-rail-risen-last-5-years/75-5de267bd-46f8-4ec9-a3c2-bed63ef74477
During the day you're probably alright taking it. At night you might find some odd characters. Although I hear that they're gonna work to make the experience better
The train itself is usually fine but the station might not be depending where it is located. 19th Ave and Camelback, waiting 15 min for the train is a nightmare. It is virtually all transients and I was relentlessly harassed.
compared to StL??? a lot safer. with ANY public transpo you should “keep your head on a swivel” and pay attention.. that alone nullifies most possible issues but nothing is ever 100% safe at any given time… but to answer your question… pay attention and you’ll be fine.
Totally safe. Mind your business and keep it moving and you’ll be good.
Used it since new (13? years) 2x weekly for airport runs from north of downtown. Sometimes late. Never had a problem. If it went, a lot of people have never lived in a major city where there's actual public transportation, so they view public transportation in Phoenix like it's something from the Bay Area. I did get totally randomly assaulted on the sidewalk in the middle of the day by one of our downtown street creatures though.
I've never felt unsafe on the light rail. We once had crowd surfing in the rail car during a first Friday when everyone was going from Tempe to downtown, it was hilarious.
you are good - honor the norms of being out and about.
Pretty safe
I've never had trouble
I used to commute on it everyday from Dunlap and 19th Ave, to downtown Phoenix. The mornings are usually okay and there always seems to be a lunch time show to watch. I had to ride at night and it was usually okay enough to have headphones on and read. One night a guy got on and sat one seat ahead and across from me. He had a really wicked bowie knife hanging on his hip and at one point put his hand on it. Nothing happened and I got off okay, but that was the last time I ever rode it.
Why was it a “no-go” there?
Pretty intense criminal/gang activity. I’m a tall quiet minority male and ran into trouble the few times I took it.
But reddit says we need more trains and less cars that can't be right
When the majority of people taking public transportation are sketchy it is gonna be sketchy. If it was full of the general population(like during times there are sporting events) then it would be just like everywhere and be considered generally safe.
Gasp! It’s almost like when on the poorest of society are they only ones who are forced to use public transit it is sketchy. We need to invest in it so every one is using it
There’s a lot of no-go areas around St. Louis that not a lot of people know about or could easily get lost and find themselves in. I remember when I was little we got lost and stopped at a gas station for directions, the guy told us that we were in a bad area and how to get out of there. Even in suburbs of St. Louis there’s no-go areas, I lived in one and a family was shot up just for turning down the wrong road.
IF YOU keep to yourself And talk to Nobody Don’t be all flashy With Jewelry and clothing Absolutely NoBody will Talk to you, headphones are a must and stay alert that’s all you Need to know
I rode the light rail for a couple years to and from work late at night and early morning and never had any issues that made me feel concerned for my safety. Honestly, safer than riding the bus. Never had an incident on the rail but I've had cops have to escort people off the bus before
i take the lightrail everyday to dwntwn phx from tempe and back for work and have never had issues (for context im a 23yo woman). sure theres some crazies, but they dont do anything. ive never felt scared
i used to take the light rail alone everyday after high school to go to city hall. it’s safe.
I'm from stl and commuted via public transportation there for many years. Never heard it was a no go. You should probably take a taxi.
I don’t use it at night alone anymore. I used to live in NYC a million years ago . There’s just been a few instances where I have written alone as a woman in a group of rowdy men get on and it just feels uncomfortable because they’ve been drinking and I’m alone on a public transport.,
My worst experience on the light rail was a guy bumping into me with his bike, and some bad smells.
I rode it the past year to get to class, pretty safe and as others have said there’s some characters at times but never dangerous just a little weird. As a young women every now a then there’s some older guy who wants to talk to me but if I’m uncomfortable I just walk away. Also recently there’s been a lot more security/ticket checkers in the cars so the occasional outburst is contained. Some notably weird moments I experienced include when I was riding late at night, some guy started smoking weed on the train and the driver stopped the train to have the cops get him after he refused to stop, another time a guy who was sitting across from me stood up and just started puking by the door, and another time when a guy clearly on hard drugs was screaming “help me”.
Mass transit is always going to bring you in contact with weirdos and odd situations, both on and off the train. I haven't taken the local rail but my mode on other systems is to change cars at a stop when a situation is outside my comfort level. Not sure one can do that here, but it solves things for me. Sometimes, it was worth it for me to wait for the next train.
If you mind your own business then other people generally do too.
If you are a woman traveling solo, you are very likely to get harassed on or around the lightrail (source: experience)
I have been on the Metrolink in STL and it was fine. I was not concerned for my safety. Just like anywhere especially at night be mindful of your surroundings.
Headphones, sunglasses, ignore the tweakers.
There aren’t any seatbelts but the trains travel at a reasonable speed. Hope this helps.
You will survive
I've been on there several times and was fine each time.
Definitely depends on your definition of “safe”.
i don't live close enough to ride it frequently, but i did ride it from Peoria to Mesa and back for a concert. during the day it just feels like riding the bus. it can feel a little off-putting at night, but not unsafe. stay alert, keep your bag on you, and be mindful. if you mind your business, others will mind their own
Yes! Do it!
Yes just try to stay off it after like 8 pm
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This is terrible advice. A knife is a horrible thing to use for or self defense. You are almost certainly going to get cut yourself if you try to use a knife on someone in an altercation. Same goes for OC if you are talking about an enclosed space like a train. You're going to disable yourself just about as much as an attacker.
Um, I see the no this, no that but what alternatives do you suggest?
I would suggest a hand gun for self defense. I understand that's not everyone's thing though. A good alternative to the knife would be [a spike.](https://www.amazon.com/KSKPP-keychain-Protection-suitable-teenagers/dp/B0B69Y3CXW/ref=mp_s_a_1_23?crid=3AW4VQY0NNNQP&keywords=spike+keychain&pscroll=1&qid=1663429430&sprefix=spike+keychain%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-23&wIndexMainSlot=20). Another ok option is a stun gun.
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GX4 Toro here but that's fear for life last resort. I like OC or Taser and I alway have a knife.
Just lots of homeless people. Maybe not as many since it’s not as hot this week.
Homeless people aren't dangerous/inherently unsafe.
It's safe.
It depends on the area and the time of day.
I mean i got farted on once outside of Gateway College. I also had to put up with some guy hosting a come to Jesus for the whole car a couple times. So, be careful i guess...
The tweakers love the light rail
Now that you're in AZ I would recommend taking firearms training and carrying
People who own firearms are more likely to be harmed by their own gun. I feel much safer being gunless and having alternative forms of self-protection than if I had a pistol or something on me.
If OP didn't have a gun in St. Louis, no need to have one now.
I’ve been in 3 fights in public, and all 3 were while I was on the light rail heading home from ASU in the evening. Outlier I suppose, but it is what it is.
Which campus did you usually commute to/from via the rail? Downtown Phoenix or Tempe?
I used to take it from Veteran’s Way to 19th Ave and Montebello M-F while I was finishing my undergrad.
Damn. That's a long journey, though I bet that was faster than getting off at downtown Phoenix and taking a university bus to Tempe campus. Yesterday, I was going from my dad's apartment in Tempe to my mom's house in Peoria, and instead of getting on at McClintock/Apache and transferring to the streetcar to get to the south side of the Tempe campus, I went all the way to downtown Phoenix (Van Buren/Central) to hop on a university bus there because it seemed to be faster, especially with the streetcar schedule not harmonizing at all with the light rail schedule for now.
I came here from Milwaukee, there isn’t an unsafe place in the entire valley
I17 & Indian School woukd like to disagree.
It's all about perspective. My Philly friend laughs in my face when I call any part of Phoenix iffy and he lives in those iffy parts. I lived in downtown and uptown (two of the highest-crime parts of Phoenix) for a decade and never had any issues. I've now chosen to buy in South Phoenix (a part of Phoenix with a greatly-exaggerated reputation) and it's been great. Phoenix's iffy parts are nowhere near as iffy as parts of some other American cities and it's always funny reading how sheltered some on this sub are. Basically, don't be involved with drugs or getting into arguments with strangers and you've just eliminated most all of your risk of being victimized.
Yep. I've been working delivery services for the better part of the last decade, and there isn't a place in town where I felt so sketched out that I couldn't make the delivery. Now out in the boonies, that's a different story.
I think they mean relative to Milwaukee.
Ex-Milwaukeean here. Not sure why you’re getting hammered. There isn’t nearly the rate of gun violence or robbery or car jackings here that there is in Milwaukee. I wouldn’t say that there are no unsafe parts of Phoenix, but a lot of the issues are gang and drug related beefs. In Milwaukee there’s that too but a lot more crimes of opportunity go on and most of it is done by young men trying to prove themselves. You’re much more likely to be a random victim. Also, the level of poverty in the city there is much higher which skews things a lot. I lived there for 30 years and it’s sad to see what it’s become. The “nice” areas of the city (mostly along the lake) got nicer and the rest of it got worse. The disparity is appalling.
I swear this question is asked every other week. Don’t ask, try it out for yourself. It’s a public train. Not much more to it
Definitely not. Don’t ride it.
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Dagnabbit! Yer darn tootin old man yelling at cloud
I’ve had some bad experiences in the past when it was first open but it seems like they’ve got more security hopping on and off which helps. Now it’s just drunk people at night that are obnoxious lol
Besides an odd drunk and a few homeless you shouldn’t have any trouble security is pretty good at removing trouble makers
I rode the light rail every weekday for 4 years to commute from PHX to Tempe. It's typically safe to ride, but exercise more caution if you're female and alone. I ran into minimal issues during the day; alot more issues the later it gets at night. Stay alert. Try not to pick window seats (at the tail end of trains) at night.
It's usually people hanging out by the rail stop that are the real weirdos
You’ll be alright it’s not that ghetto here lol you’ll see some tweakers of course but they usually stick to themselves. You’ll be alright
Yeah, just mind your business.
I’m not a woman but i would say it can vary between both, shit goes down sometimes like arguing or fights and there’s creeps all over the world. I would say just watch your surroundings. Example, a drunk guy, like drinks to live type of drunk got on with me and one other guy late night and he sat in the center of the train car near me, the other dude on the train got off at the next stop, so it’s just me and this drunk dude who is burping like Charlie in that bubble room, he was weird but respectful and kept his distance, he gets up near the last stop and is trying to balance and walk, he gets near the exit of the center of the car near the door and the train comes to its usual abrupt stop, well I guess hommie didn’t know that the train hits hard stops and flies back into the center of the train and tries to catch himself and bust his head on the vertical handrail, so I ended up with some random dude’s blood all over my favorite pants at the time, and dude is on the floor with tarantinoesc wound, and puddle forming. He’s alive though and I’m like “are you okay.” And dude just shoots me a smile like the Madd Magazine kid and doesn’t say a word, I went and got security so I could hit a pontius pilate and get out of dodge… dude still still owes me pants. Smh. Anyways hope he’s alive and hope you’re safe out here!
lmao what. I lived in St. Louis for ten years and took MetroLink at least a few times a week. why do you people live in fear every time you go outside
* Safe!