Apparently he was out of line. The PPD isnt commenting and TriMet says MAX is extremely safe with only 3 verbal reports a day of trouble. Face it, MAX is about ten times safer than driving. There hasnt been one rider death on MAX yet! Think of all the hundreds killed in car accidents since MAX opened.

But the incidence of crime is increasing dramatically in the suburbs. A 16% increase in one year on the east side suburbs and this isnt due to MAX as MAX has been there for 21 years!

"Portland Police refuse to comment on Sgt. Preston's remarks, saying he was speaking his own mind and did not represent the thoughts and opinions of the Portland Police Bureau.

Meanwhile, TriMet is confounded by the sergeant's comments.

"When I read the article it was surprising and concerning," said TriMet Operations Manager Peggy Hanson.

Hanson says each day there's an average of only one report of verbal or physical violence for every 100,000 riders on the train."