There's nothing good about the Light Rail around here. Consider the crime increase, traffic congestion at the grade level crossings, and occasional injuries or deaths. This Crime Train, which was shoved down our throats, benefits very few people around here at tremendous cost to the tax payers. It is amazing to see the deterioration in quality of life in Lutherville, Timonium, and Cockeysville since Light Rail was forced on us. Local breakins and other robberies, highly increased shoplifting near Light Rail stations, extra cost from the need for Police kiosks at Light Rail stops, as well as the traffic aggravation, especially when the cheap crossing gates get stuck, are all good reasons for us to demand shutting down Light Rail "service" beyond the City Line. Residents of Linthicum have been fighting to shut down their station all year but they have an uphill battle against the Nanny State government that thinks they know what's best for us.

In the long run, public transportation always helps cities. Look at what it has done to Washington -- whole areas revitalized -- and what it is now doing to Los Angeles. Once Baltimore gets the Charles/St. Paul tramline up, expect development throughout that area.

It's tragic to hear of life lost, especially during the holiday season. What seems to be more disturbing is the postings shortly thereafter of complaining to the effects of public transportation. Crime is everywhere, face the facts, and focus on more important issues other then your extended drive to work today because of some traffic. It could have been one of your neighbors in your wonderful town that decided to "off" herself.

I have to disagree. We are Lutherville homeowners who moved to Lutherville for two major reasons: the schools and the light rail access. Every morning and evening the trains are full of commuters to Baltimore and DC. Instead of spending an hour a day feeling aggrivated by traffic and contributing to the region's air pollution, we spend the time reading, catching up on work, talking on the phone to non-local loved ones or chatting with one another. It could be accurately stated that many people who contribute to the local tax base would opt to live elsewhere if there wasn't such a safe, efficient, and affordable transportation option. And yes, I said safe. Perhaps most of us have become desensitized to all of the horrible car wrecks that occur so frequently around here. It is a tradgedy that a woman was killed this morning, but it's made more notable by the fact that it is a relatively rare occurance.

I use the light rail frequently, because I can't drive, it has been a God send. The first person killed by it in the city was my daughter's Godmother.

I am so glad that people have written in defence of the Light Rail. There should be more public transportation in this country. In Europe, the public transportation is readily available, clean and reliable.
While this accident has made the news, how many people will be killed in auto accidents this week, month, etc. without anyone hearing anything about it?

The State has conducted studies of the Light Rail/ Crime connection and found it to be a myth.
It just another case of veiled racism backed up by sketchy anecdotal evidence.

Since I live in Lutherville and ride the Light Rail most every day to and from work I have to say I am very grateful that it is available. Driving downtown is not a vialable alternative.as far as I am concerned. Also anyone who walks on the Light Rail tracks is either stupid or has a death wise.

I agree with the comment about anyone walking the light rail has a death wish. I also wonder why anyone would believe a state study about a state owned facility, after all it didn't get the "Rob and Ride" nick name for no reason

Some of these comments are mortifying.
I was on the southbound train this morning. We were the first train to drive by the accident and then the train that "housed" those who had been on the train involved in the accident as well as the police officers beginning their investigation. I also had the misfortune of seeing this woman's mangled body. It's something I would have never imagined seeing or being a "part" of. I felt like I was in a horror movie or on CSI...it did not feel like real life.

Instead of using this as a time to "complain" I think we should all send our thoughts and prayers to those that were ON the train in the accident, the conductor driving that train, and most of all the family members and friends of this woman. This is a time of year for many to celebrate and receive gifts and eat wonderful food...somewhere a family will be mourning the death of this woman...and of many others involved in car accidents, shootings, etc.

I know there were troubles when the Light Rail first opened, but I think it has gotten much better, with guards on trains, and not allowing bikes on the cars.
Our family uses it a lot, to go downtown, and for Ravens and Oriole games, and to the airport.
Crime is going to go anywhere people go.

I am certainly sorry for the woman who was killed and hope that the accident was something out of her control rather than a deliberate act.
That said, I saw the news as just another example of the negatives regarding Light Rail, hence my ranting. I was truly surprised at the number of opposite opinions. I can only conclude that those who think the Light Rail is so wonderful haven't lived here long enough to see the changes directly corresponding to its inception. As to State studies discounting this correlation; if you believe any State study regarding something the State wants, I have a train to sell you.

I have to say that the suburbs scare me a little, too. But they will be citified before too long. Look at Silver Spring, which used to be something of a dive and is now one of the most diverse and exciting areas in Washington. I think the Metro had a lot to do with that. The problem with Baltimore is that the public transportation has always been kind of half-hearted, a little like Philly, where I still rarely use the subways.

what is wrong with you people the article was about a woman's death on the light rail, NOT CRIME RATE, BIKE RIDERS, ETC... Get a life folks; think of others rather than YOURSELF ALL THE TIME, HAVE SOME COMPASSION FOR LIFE IN GENERAL

This is very sad. I heard about this woman as I work very close by. I heard others at work somewhat joking about the situation and was appalled. Certainly praying for this person, as well as her friends and family in dealing with her death.

First and foremost, a life was TRAGICALLY lost!!! Our family business was located to the right of these photographs. My husband went to the scene when a friend called us informing him that there something "bad" had happened, and he better get there quickly. He saw that poor woman's body! Shame on those of you who are using this horrific tragedy to discuss crime!!!!!!!! A life was lost!!!! Crime can happen ANYWHERE!!!!!! As a resident of Lutherville, and the wife of a past business owner whom finally had to close his 5 th generation family business 7 months ago; due to 2 fires (both Arson) and, of course the light rail was FIRST to be suggested as the possible "means" of the culprits!!!! Guess what???? People matter!!! Being good and decent has NOTHING to do with the circumstances in which we are born into!! Quite frankly, yesterday morning..someone tragically lost a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, Friend....etc....There is someone that lost her, and is unable to find any peace right now!!! This is NOT about crime!!!! It is about a human being!!!! People...please take a moment and walk in her family's shoes!!! How would you feel if your beautiful family members life was tragically taken in seconds, and society was focusing; NOT on the loss of your loved one; but the tragedy of how the train that ran over her brings criminals into our community!!!! SERIOUSLY.....some of the above negative commentator's COMPLETELY SICKEN ME!!!!!!

When I read about a person being hit by a train/ light rail. I always think about how did that peson get in that situation. Was it a drug related situation... Was the person depressed and unable to cope with life ...were they intoxicated.... My head just doesn't go racial and that's where this dialog has gone no matter how you sugar coat/disguise it. Pick another forum for that discussion please.

Dude, your not fooling anybody.

M. Sullivan, you really need to get beyond that obsession with mass transportation as the root of all evil. In one of your posts, you claimed there was absolutely nothing good about light rail, despite what the majority of rider and non-rider contributors feel. Then in another remark, you went so far as to hope that the accident was not a deliberate act, as if, in your mind, the trains themselves are now capable of deliberately targeting people. That's sick.

Apparently, you were not in favor of the light rail project 30 years ago, it was built over your objection, you didn't get your way, and you've been mad ever since.
So much so, that 30 years on, your rage is so consuming that it won't allow you to simply mourn the passing of another human being without linking it back to a crime-by-rail obsession. Get some help, please.

Hey, Sullivan, who stole your lunch money?

But there was no increase in crime nor traffic problems due to the Light Rail. You just made that up.

I guess you ascribe to the theory that if you keep repeating a lie over and over it will eventually become fact.

Have you ever seen anybody in the kiosk?

Not everyone has the luxury of owning a car and that includes those that live in the Lutherville-Timonium area. The LR provides access as a way of getting to work. Remember those...the things hard to come by now-a-days? Having transportation keeps the jobs for those that have one. Don't get caught up in the negative side of this. Everything has bad ramifications, but if the surrounding neighborhoods still live in La-La land and didn't take precautions in securing your properties it's not all the riders faults.

The Light Rail and public transportation in general provide far more positive outcomes for the community at large than negatives. Sure, there were problems in the beginning, but changes were made, including random checks for tickets, increased police presence on the trains and at the stations.
Thousands of people ride the trains daily, even more for stadium events.
With the increase in the price of fossil fuels, and the increase in the cost of driving to work, public transportation will become more and more valuable in the future.
I feel for the family of the victim, and those who were traumatized by the accident.

I am so glad that the subway doesn't have this problem of people walking in front of it. If you jump in front of the subway, then we know for a fact that you had a death wish and you differently can't blame anybody but that person. When that happens, you don't hear anthing about it because the operator of the train can't be blamed. My heart goes out to anyone that thinks killing themselves is the way out of any situation because it only hurt the ones left behind. THAT'S A SELFISH ACT TO ME

I'm hearing this was no "accident"... it was a suicide.

@ Bill, it might have been. People get really depressed this time of year for many reasons. We may never know what happened. My condolences to the family and loved ones of this woman.

I've thought about suicide many a time and still do. When I heard about a woman being hit, I just knew it was purposeful. I am so saddened to hear of her suicide. My prayers are with her family and I pray that she is in heaven in peace. People - please be nice to your fellow human being, you have no idea what challenges they may be struggling with.

I recommended HID Head Lights for the trains, like the very bright head lamps on the new cars. But the million plus renovation for each train could not handle $2,000 per train. They would have made that money back in reduced accidents on Howard St and saved many lives.

Too bad the majority of you have negative comments about the lightrail. In the area is a rehabilitation facility.... Unfortunately she could not be cognitive in order to be safe and save her life. Try not being so critical folks. Go ahead devour that.