Crime and Planning

One of the concerns that residents have about transit-oriented development is the common belief that crime rates rise around public transit stops. This article discusses some common fears about transit and crime, and provides some suggestions on how these fears can be mitigated. Fears tend to fall into one of three categories: fear of crime on public transit, fear of crime at transit stations, and fear of crime rising in the neighborhood after transit lines are built. These fears can have a significant effect on the design and use of public transit and transit-oriented design. Reducing crime opportunities through the use of good lighting, natural surveillance, maintenance and law enforcement is essential. Crime prevention also must focus not only on the station itself, but the pathways to and from the stations and stops. Planners should locate stations and stops near high-activity areas and businesses such as supermarkets rather than near places where potential crime is more likely, such as bars and alleys.