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The no service after 10pm idea is just ridiculous!

Crime is not caused by public transportation. Whatever crime issues UMD campus has are caused by the socio-economic issues of the College Park area where the campus is located and the total lack of leadership on the part of the UMD administration.

The fact that UMD has been in that location for so long and done absolutely NOTHING to improve the surrounding area, just shows how poorly run the university is.

Take VCU in Richmond as an example. VCU worked hard to improve the conditions of the surrounding areas and the difference is absolutely night and day from the 90s to today. In fact, I'd venture to say that VCU leadership has helped the economy of the city of Richmond tremendously and improved the crime rate overall for the Fan district where it is located.

This was done with good planning, investment in new infrastructure, building close ties with the neighboring communities and working to keep the campus safe at night with good lighting (which UMD does not have--I teach night classes there and 90% of the campus is pitch dark), consistent and reliable police patrol (on foot or bike--not just car), and creating a "neighborhood safety watch" patrol as well.

None of UMD's current safety issues have anything to do with public transportation, nor will they be affected negatively by having a Purple Line running past 10pm.

If anything, having various Purple Line stations/stops will improve safety by creating more lighting, more centers were pedestrians can actually get help if needed (if the stations/stops are properly lit and have cameras and emergency alarm equipment), and will cause more pedestrians to congregate in areas they probably wouldn't otherwise, which will increase pedestrian flow at night and make it less of a desolate post-10pm area dominated by automobiles only.

by LuvDusty on May 31, 2012 12:55 pm • link • report