Proponents of the system there used the same arguments and reassurances then as proponents of an Austin system do today. Only the positive aspects were presented. Most of the passengers will be good people who want to use the facility for its intended purpose. This includes robbery where assault is used, gang activity and car jackings, interrupted auto burglaries, and domestic disputes that spread to the workplace. Light rail systems and bus lines create parking places and waiting platforms where people congregate.
People eventually become victims.
San Jose's Santa Clara County Transit District includes both light rail and bus service. Patrol statistics for that agency, accumulated during 1994 through 1998, are illuminating. The statistics show that they had 82,993 radio calls during that five-year period. Light rail reported 14 assault and batteries of patrons while the buses reported 23. Light rail accounted for 45 burglary reports compared to only 2 for the bus line.