Out Of Service: Examining Public Transportation In Sacramento County

Out of Service: Examining Public Transportation in Sacramento County

Large cities and populations rely on public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emission as well as provide a means for citizens without personal vehicles to travel to important places like work, school or the grocery store. Critically important infrastructure to any city, without a reliable regional transportation system those who cannot afford cars are greatly impacted. Such groups may be confined to a particular neighborhood, which may result in lack of accessibility to jobs or other important resources, in modern city's neighborhoods cut off from transportation can become increasingly poor, see elevated crime rates and more likely to continue to be
Nationally 63% of transit riders are less affluent than the general population (Pulcher 1). Bus ridership is comprised of 74% low income groups versus a mere 34% on commuter rails (Pulcher 67). Pulcher wrote in a 2001 paper that; “Overall, the poor, racial and ethnic minorities, and the elderly have a much lower mobility rates than the general population. Moreover the poor … are far more likely to use transit than other groups,” (1). In addition to these groups are disabled citizens who may lack the ability or desire to operate motor vehicles. Access to lifeline services such as employment, education, shopping and social services for these vulnerable groups is dependent on reliable public transportation (Taylor 1). Because of this reliance, if transportation is made difficult or impossible for these individuals they are effectively cut off from society. According to U.S. Census data, 17.6% of the population of Sacramento County live at or below the property line, this equates to nearly 250,000 individuals who rely on public transit for their livelihoods. Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) provides much needed transportation infrastructure, however, poor planning, lack of maintenance and an attempt to appeal to choice riders may diminish the value and accessibility for citizens who benefit most from the RT
A number of passengers, especially women express feeling endangered by the safety of RT. In one Yelp review, Kathleen "Kathaaay" F. shares her thoughts on light rail safety,” The light rail is by no means a safe place for any woman, by any means. The constant sexual harassment and lack of security guards who don't do shit will make your trip uncomfortable and leave wondering if you will get home safe”(Yelp). In a rather detailed review Ashli L. expresses her concern with light rail security, “I've been harassed during the regular commute on the train and while waiting at stop. One time a security patrol was on the train and did nothing!” Ashli’s review continues by describing additional harassment, robbery, employee unprofessionalism and “a major communication disconnect” separating RT and customers (Yelp). Kathleen and Ashli are not the only passengers who feel unsafe, Yelp contains numerous reviews with similar expressions of lack of active security, unchecked abuse by outlandish passengers, fear of robbery and generally unsatisfied customers are common themes. These reports are not without justification; robbery is not uncommon within the system. RT claims improvements have been made to improve prosecution and recovery rates it may be some time before passengers feel safe riding the rails. In spite of this, data from RT’s own monthly reports show that crime is actually on the rise (fig.