How safe is light rail service between airport and con hotels?

[tezarc]

Since this is my first Fanime I did my research and found the VTA light rail service between SJC and con hotels. But what I can't find on a website is, how safe is it? As in how safe is it in the train and around the stops? I'm arriving in the morning so I'm not too worried, but my flight back will probably have me getting to the airport around 8pm. Any vets with wisdom to share?

[Kaura117]

I've been taking the Metro-Airport -> Santa Teresa light rail for something like a year now. It's pretty well regulated, at least during the day time. I can't recall a week where they didn't bust a few dozen people for trying to get a ride without paying for the ticket. There's a noticeable police presence that probably does a decent job at deterring various levels of idiocy.

Hell, lost property isn't an issue either. Lost a phone on the light rail, got it back the next day.

[Kandybar]

When I lived in Santa Clara, I used to ride the lightrail downtown all the time.  I've never had any issues with it or seen anything that would worry me.  (But do pay for your ticket - Kaura's right, they bust people all the time for that.)

[TC X0 Lt 0X]

I never got busted for hitching a ride on the rail.
Though I only used it 4 or so time  ::).
Guess I'm just lucky.

[tezarc]

For $1.75 to/from airport versus $15-$20 riding the taxi I'm not going to cheat and not get a ticket. Thanks for the advice everyone.

[FanFicGuru]

I used to frequent the light-rail and I would say that it is a very safe mode of public transportation. As was mentioned earlier there is a very strong police presence downtown in general.

It is very convenient and safe, don't worry. ^_^

[Rhornez]

I used to frequent the light-rail and I would say that it is a very safe mode of public transportation. As was mentioned earlier there is a very strong police presence downtown in general.

It is very convenient and safe, don't worry. ^_^

i wish very strong police presence was on the bus over here in oakland....too many idiots and loud screaming people playing their crappy downloaded/recorded music

[ollieMaxwell]

The only Light Rail you have to worry about is the MUNI Metro. Unreliable service, frequent breakdowns, not much of a police presence either. This is only if you're up in San Francisco.

[Knightfire]

Safety in Numbers, bring a friend along.

[Jerry]

to ease your nerves--- San Jose is known for being one of the safest big city as some results/statistics have shown.

from my knowledge more ppl have been injured due to non crime related attacks near mass transit stations
[* Cough * people on the tracks near cal train stations around NOT near san jose ] than other forms of mass transit.

sure there was a major incident back in jan 1st 1009 [the bart incident] - which was a freak situation-
but crime/safety situation around San Jose is pretty safe IMO.

of course traveling with friends is the way to go. But you shouldnt fear for your safety so long as your aware of the situation and area around you and have a cell phone in case of real emergencies.

besides the trip between SJC and the convention center should be less than 20 minutes, if that long.

[Moonblossom]

sure there was a major incident back in jan 1st 1009 [the bart incident] -

Wow, San Jose's had a mass transit system for an impressive amount of time ;)

[Dragon Ninja]

I take light rail to and from the train station every year, and I've found it to be great.