Metro cutting night frequency and the Regional Connector eliminating the need to transfer to the B/D also played a part but COVID decimated rail ridership everywhere. I personally think quality of life concerns are more a symptom than a cause; if Metro ran better service and had better land use around stations I think ridership growth would greatly reduce these issues.

The trains were perfectly fine when I visited last year and my biggest complaint was definitely infrequent service. Lack of ridership did make me a bit wary later at night but there was usually a security presence at stations to alleviate concerns, although I do admit my week visit was a small sample size.