Not really a defensive reply, because I don't live in the US, but across the border in Canada we have a very similar culture and very safe public transportation

Not really a defensive reply, because I don't live in the US, but across the border in Canada we have a very similar culture and very safe public transportation. I grew up in downtown-ish Toronto and never saw a crime. There are crimes, just not too many that people fear taking public transportation. A typical subway ride in Toronto has plenty of people in suits. Bus transport in other cities in Ontario is also quite safe.