It’s so sad that someone from out of town who rides the Link from the airport to Clayton has to go thru that ghetto from Wellston to the FP station. I remember once I was out at the airport and got on with a guy from out of town going to one of the nicer hotels in Clayton. He asked me about the safety of the train. I told him I’d not had any problems. So I’m in the front of the car w/ my bike and he is near the back when a band of roving youths board and circle around this guy. His eyes got as big as saucers and he looked at me like he was scared to death. He got off the train and they gang did too. I hope he made it. That’s the last time I recommend the train if it has to go thru the ghetto.

Of course, Metro is broke so change won’t be coming soon. This is just one more example of how a city tries to be progressive but somehow manages to screw it up.

I live next to the Forest Park stop and take Metrolink everyday. The design flaws at the top of the stairs when combined with no Metro security at the top of the stairs is a key factor in the intimidation of all but the bravest and stoutest commuters. Metro provides security down on the platform only. Yes, for the last week there has been a City Police officer sitting in the parking lot in an SUV with an eye on things. Before that though– nothing. Ill mannered youth spill from the bus stop where they have every right to be, to the top of the 4 foot wide stairwell that is bounded close by an elevator. There is no legitmate reason they should be allowed to stand here, albeit there is a cigarette ash disposal unit placed exactly in the same spot. Thanks for that Metro! (Get rid of it).This is a serious design flaw. A commuter, especially anyone with luggage, is hard put to pick his way through the youth that stand close together and don’t move. Have you ever tried to squeeze by a couple of people who are sitting bikes, with nothing to do? Someone getting off the train who has made their way up the steep stairs has to then be sure not to bump the intimidating bystanders, and keep aware of who’s watching or following him/her.

Most of the youth that are there are only interested in socializing with each other–they are not going to knock people down and take their things. But how can we know who has something maelevolent in mind? These youth need better manners, and that’s giving them a wide benefit of the doubt as to whether they are corrupted by gangs or are just innocent kids with nothing better to do. Who’s going to teach them to give way to people who have somewhere to go? How effective would it be were I to ask this of them? Very ineffective, is my guess. Authority must weigh in on this problem. The Forest Park station has experienced this month’s attack, a May shooting with 13 shots fired at one victim (who knew his assailants, granted), another assault in June on a gentleman walking from the stop to Pershing. It’s time that this corner is patrolled constantly, that the ash tray is removed, and that no one be allowed to hang out at the top of the stairs.

Oh and by the way those smelly foul-mouthed drunks were all white folks go figure.

“Yes, for the last week there has been a City Police officer sitting in the parking lot in an SUV with an eye on things.”

Hahahahhahahaha. Sitting in a SUV? How about getting their fat rear out and showing a public presense? I’m sure half the time they’re talking to their mistress/girlfriend/husband/boyfriend/etc than watching the station. How about getting out and thumping some heads like in the old days?

Getta, just had to get that jab in, didn’t ya? The old “white people are bad too” routine.

Well, it’s one thing to endure foul-mouthed drunks, and quite another to endure an assault.

Hey Ben,
If the shoe fits wear it.

Boy has this turned into a hot topic!! I love guns but would not carry one on Metro link. I have found that most of the people that you need to be afraid of or not afraid of you with or without a gun. I think it is somewhat of an honor to them to take someone out that is pointing a gun at you even if they get shot in the process. Chances are that most of the 20 or so also had weapons and your six-shooter wouldn’t have a chance against them. The bottom line is that the train goes through some of St. Louis’s worst. It’s not going to change. If you are going to use the system, do the best you can to stay away from potential problems.

Hey Getta,
That went right over your head. The point being, foul-mouths are not a threat to your personal welfare.

Its funny post after post its ok to sterio-type black youth as thugs and criminal …….but call a white person a smelly drunk and the gloves are off!

The Metrolink is in the “ghetto” because that is the cheapest property. At those areas, security should be hightened. If security is heightened, more people will use the Metrolink. The more people that use it, the safer it will be. (strength in numbers)

The Metrolink needs to expand. There need to be tax increases to build new lines and sustain the current lines. Mass transit in Chicago and NY is not profitable in itself. Tax payers help pay for maintenance and expansion, this leads to a better, more approachable city. It’s an investment the city needs to do or not do. I know, taxes suck, but that’s just how these things work.
Also, go to Chicago, there are a lot of stations/ neighborhoods you stay away from. This light rail thing is new to St. Louis. Get more people riding, it gets safer.
Increase security, and in the next 15-20 years, add a line in the south city, an downtown line, and maybe another county line, and this will do so much for the city of St. Louis.

Oh happy day…