I’ve occasionally use the light rail from Mpls to the airport or vice versa for 16 years, except during the peak of the pandemic. I’ve been using it again more frequently, mostly during normal business hours. The increase in transit cops is very noticeable both on the trains themselves and at stations. The last time I used it I saw almost as many transit cops as riders.
Lake Street is probably the worst spot for crime. There were 8 transit cops there. I counted.
Are there people riding it and not paying? Absolutely. I see people get on at one stop and get off at the next one. Probably a lot of non payers doing exactly that.
It’s $1.25 one way from Mpls to the airport. Much quicker to use it during peak rush hour too than sit in traffic.
I can’t comment on the crime during non business hours. At night time I’m sure it’s worse. I’ve never felt unsafe on it even though there’s some sketchy characters present at times. I’m sure others might disagree depending on other factors.