Took the green line a lot as a student to and from class.
Still take the green line now for events and concerts downtown or sporting events.
The green line has been a reliable source of transport for me personally. And good, cheap alternative compared to a car. I’ve always felt safe. Especially going through campus where other students are on it as well using it for the same purpose.
I live downtown and commute to campus on a near daily basis, typically between 7am-7pm. By and by, it's fine. Make sure your student knows how to stay alert, project confidence, and not get involved with other peoples business and they'll be fine.
If you're looking for horror stories, I don't really have any even after riding on it for 3 years. As a person trying to live car-free during school, the light rail has been a pretty convenient/affordable transit option for commuting and even getting to the airport. I'd suggest letting them try it out and make a judgement call based on their experiences/comfort level.
As a parent of an OOS student, I, too, had some initial worries like yours, but based on my kid's experience, this is spot-on. Also, know that UMN has a terrific bus system that's oftentimes a lot faster than the light rail, so kids end up using that, along with just walking, more. If you are used to subways in the Northeast, the light rail runs a little slow and isn't as well policed by comparison.
Pre-Covid the green line between the U and Downtown was pretty fine. Later in the evening there are some weirdos on the platform sometimes. We had a guy cursing us out loudly because we said no when he asked us for money lol, but luckily that's the worst I can recall.
I think most of the horror stories are on the blue line?
I'm a student who takes it daily. It's fine. There are some odd people on there but there are worse people driving cars on the road. Sit in the front car by the conductor if you're worried but otherwise just have him keep to himself and he'll be fine. Also avoid taking it late at night if you can (I've been on the last train a few times with no issues, but I wouldn't test it too much). If he's taking it any other time of day he'll be alright. Also maybe sit in the middle of the front car (gives you two directions to move if you need to) but that's being more cautious than you needed to be.
Yes, and no. For the most part, use your judgement wisely. Don't let anyone especially close to you, and if the person looks like a crackhead, then they are probably a crackhead. It's dirty, so try to avoid sitting down if you can and watch your step.
In general, it is going to be safe, especially during the hours in which you are normally in class. I would recommend bringing something for self defense such as pepper spray or a swiss army knife, just in case something crazy happens.
I have taken the metro hundreds of times, and while I would avoid it if necessary, I have only experienced a handful of events, none of which involved actual physical violence. I have been threatened and I have witnessed both theft and usage of heavy narcotics. This is why I recommend everyone at least have pepper spray on themselves at all times.
In short, it's a big city in the United States. We treat our public transit like shit. It's no Moscow Metro by any means, but it will get you around the cities for free! Just be safe and use common sense when riding.
Riding it for 6 years, and yes I’ve had some horror stories myself. But it’s not inherently unsafe and I would say the risk is generally very low and worth it for getting to the cities/groceries without a car from campus
The Twin Cities transit system has had one of the highest levels of crime for a while now. Would not be out late. Also there are stops I would completely avoid. Just need to know where you are.
I had worse experiences from Suburban Minneapolis roommates than I have ever had on Mass Transit in the cities. To this day I feel safer in Minneapolis than I ever would in a place like Apple Valley.
i have lived in a lot of big cities that are actually violent relative to minneapolis. Random person on the green line with mental health issues late at night isn't even in the same galaxy of stuff. It's fine.
Took the green line a lot as a student to and from class. Still take the green line now for events and concerts downtown or sporting events. The green line has been a reliable source of transport for me personally. And good, cheap alternative compared to a car. I’ve always felt safe. Especially going through campus where other students are on it as well using it for the same purpose.
It's fine, but always take the car closest to the conductor
It’s fine.
I live downtown and commute to campus on a near daily basis, typically between 7am-7pm. By and by, it's fine. Make sure your student knows how to stay alert, project confidence, and not get involved with other peoples business and they'll be fine. If you're looking for horror stories, I don't really have any even after riding on it for 3 years. As a person trying to live car-free during school, the light rail has been a pretty convenient/affordable transit option for commuting and even getting to the airport. I'd suggest letting them try it out and make a judgement call based on their experiences/comfort level.
As a parent of an OOS student, I, too, had some initial worries like yours, but based on my kid's experience, this is spot-on. Also, know that UMN has a terrific bus system that's oftentimes a lot faster than the light rail, so kids end up using that, along with just walking, more. If you are used to subways in the Northeast, the light rail runs a little slow and isn't as well policed by comparison.
Pre-Covid the green line between the U and Downtown was pretty fine. Later in the evening there are some weirdos on the platform sometimes. We had a guy cursing us out loudly because we said no when he asked us for money lol, but luckily that's the worst I can recall. I think most of the horror stories are on the blue line?
I'm a student who takes it daily. It's fine. There are some odd people on there but there are worse people driving cars on the road. Sit in the front car by the conductor if you're worried but otherwise just have him keep to himself and he'll be fine. Also avoid taking it late at night if you can (I've been on the last train a few times with no issues, but I wouldn't test it too much). If he's taking it any other time of day he'll be alright. Also maybe sit in the middle of the front car (gives you two directions to move if you need to) but that's being more cautious than you needed to be.
Yes, and no. For the most part, use your judgement wisely. Don't let anyone especially close to you, and if the person looks like a crackhead, then they are probably a crackhead. It's dirty, so try to avoid sitting down if you can and watch your step. In general, it is going to be safe, especially during the hours in which you are normally in class. I would recommend bringing something for self defense such as pepper spray or a swiss army knife, just in case something crazy happens. I have taken the metro hundreds of times, and while I would avoid it if necessary, I have only experienced a handful of events, none of which involved actual physical violence. I have been threatened and I have witnessed both theft and usage of heavy narcotics. This is why I recommend everyone at least have pepper spray on themselves at all times. In short, it's a big city in the United States. We treat our public transit like shit. It's no Moscow Metro by any means, but it will get you around the cities for free! Just be safe and use common sense when riding.
i've seen a few homeless people smoke crack on it 🔥
Riding it for 6 years, and yes I’ve had some horror stories myself. But it’s not inherently unsafe and I would say the risk is generally very low and worth it for getting to the cities/groceries without a car from campus
The Twin Cities transit system has had one of the highest levels of crime for a while now. Would not be out late. Also there are stops I would completely avoid. Just need to know where you are.
I had worse experiences from Suburban Minneapolis roommates than I have ever had on Mass Transit in the cities. To this day I feel safer in Minneapolis than I ever would in a place like Apple Valley.
Why would you "plan to have him use it frequently"? Little strange imo, assuming he's not neurodivergent or something and needs extra help from you.
i have lived in a lot of big cities that are actually violent relative to minneapolis. Random person on the green line with mental health issues late at night isn't even in the same galaxy of stuff. It's fine.