Community Corner

Expo Line Safety Tips

With the downtown to Culver City Metro Expo Line opening April 28, officials are reminding everyone to stop, look and listen when approaching and crossing railroad tracks.

The following press release was submitted by Metro.

The Metro Expo light rail line between downtown Los Angeles and Culver City is opening to La Cienega/Jefferson Station on April 28 and will arrive in Culver City this summer, with trains scheduled to run initially every 12 minutes during peak periods.

With the new light rail train service up and running, Metro is reminding pedestrians and motorists to be alert, stay updated on safety tips and take advantage of the safety resources offered.

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Safety tips are available on Metro’s website under Transit Safety. Pedestrians and motorists are reminded to pay attention to the signs around the tracks, in particular, the “Keep Clear” and “Wait Here” markings painted on streets. Watch for the flashing “Train” signal and listen for trains at crossings. Remember, Metro Expo trains operate in both directions, so always “Look Both Ways” before crossing the tracks. Motorists and bicyclists in particular should note the “No Right Turn On Red” signs.

In addition, there is a bike lane that runs along the Expo Line, and bicyclists are reminded that they must follow the same traffic rules as cars.

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Along the Metro Expo Line alignment there are a total of six gated crossings and 20 non-gated crossings due to trains running at local traffic speeds. Those key crossings with gates include Arlington, 7th Avenue, 11th Street, Buckingham, Farmdale and Hauser. For added protection, pedestrian swing gates have been installed at Adams, 28th Street, 30th Street, Arlington, 7th Avenue, Jefferson, Degnan, Gramercy, Buckingham, Farmdale and Hauser. Swing gates require pedestrians to stop and open the gate in order to proceed across the tracks. The gates serve as a reminder to look both ways.

Since test trains began running along the Metro Expo Line, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has assigned five motor vehicles to patrol along the alignment. Through the first two weeks of Expo’s opening, additional units from the Los Angeles Police Department will join the 35 LASD deputies, sergeants and 24 LASD security assistants already in place to provide extra security for the line. Those caught violating traffic or safety regulations can face fines upwards of $250.

Metro has already posted 24 rail safety ambassadors along the Expo alignment. Rail safety ambassadors are retired bus and rail operators fully trained in safety rules and regulations so that they can assist at crossings, observe unsafe situations that may occur and report any safety-related issues. A Metro senior community relations officer has been permanently assigned as a point of contact with the community. Metro will continue to offer safety presentations and participate in future community events to ensure ongoing availability to those who live near the rail line.

In April 2010, schools within a 1.5-mile radius of the line began receiving training presentations. Safety posters have been made available at all schools, as well as at University of Southern California, Mount St. Mary’s College, LA Trade Technical College. Presentations have also taken place at libraries, community centers and senior centers in the area.

Sixty-three thousand safety flyers have been distributed door-to-door within a two-block radius of the line with another 60,000 to be distributed at community events as the opening date draws near. Safety ads appeared in local publications from December 2011 to March 2012 and will run again from April 30, 2012 to June 30, 2012.

Metro relies on the community as a partner to make rail safety a priority. Remember that before crossing any set of tracks, “look, listen and live.”

Click here for more information on the Metro Expo Line

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