Savage Ride: Buses in a crack zone

Buses in a crack zone

The fare is just 75 cents, but the ride could be worth your life. The public- transit buses that wind through southeast San Francisco have come to be known as the "Savage Lines." In the tough, low-income areas of Bayview/ Hunters Point, Visitacion Valley and Potrero Hill, coaches have been battered with rocks, bottles, lead pipes and gunfire. Passengers and drivers have been beaten and robbed by gangs of teenagers. Since December more than 70 bus attacks have been reported.

Crack is the cause, police say. Certain intersections have turned into "drive-thru" cocaine marts, the scene of violent competition. Crack dealers,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!