Many have seen the BART survey that says only 17% of riders feel safe riding BART, and that 45% of residents don't take BART over safety concerns, but it's the overall environment that makes me avoid it.

I got on this morning around 11am in Hayward after dropping my commuter motorcycle off at the dealership. Here was my experience:

On the Hayward platform there was a guy yelling obscenities and general threats. This is an everyday BART experience, so I ignore it as I always have.

A few minutes after getting on a nice clean car, I smell crack smoke. How do I know it was crack smoke? Unfortunately, I've learned it from BART. BART is literally the only place I've ever had to smell crack smoke. I texted BART police, asked them if they can do more than have the operator make a "no smoking on the train" announcement, and at Lake Merritt a lone officer walks in the rear door and out the middle, taking no action. I guess that's kind of more? Or is it even less? Again, I wasn't surprised.

At Powell I'm greeted by another person yelling at no one. I'm not surprised, but I AM thinking no one should have to live with this.

Do I feel unsafe by any of this? No. I grew up in SF. Does it make me hate BART? Absolutely. I would rather risk the Bay Bridge on a motorcycle in rush hour traffic than ride BART. And on most days I do.

Even when BART isn't "unsafe" it's just unpleasant. It's a horrible start to your day and horrible way to end it. Unfortunately, I don't think BART really gets just how poorly people feel about it.

Good luck with your upcoming 11.4% rate hike! That'll fix ridership levels.