The Los Angeles Times featured an exclusive in depth report dubbed "Death on the rails in LA", showing the locations of Metrolink-related fatal collisions, the need to improve the grade crossings used by Metrolink trains and the need of other safety improvements.
For the record:
The Riverside County Transportation Commission, one of the agencies that form Metrolink, is already working on establishing separated grades at several busy rail crossings in Riverside County mainly to reduce wait times.
The Los Angeles Times featured an exclusive in depth report dubbed "Death on the rails in LA", showing the locations of Metrolink-related fatal collisions, the need to improve the grade crossings used by Metrolink trains and the need of other safety improvements.
The Los Angeles Times featured an exclusive in depth report dubbed "Death on the rails in LA", showing the locations of Metrolink-related fatal collisions, the need to improve the grade crossings used by Metrolink trains and the need of other safety improvements.
There were at least 18 comments on the LA Times article in Trainorders.com today (and most likely there will be more tomorrow). A common theme is "if you're not drunk, stupid or suicidal, you won't get hit by a train".
Unfortunately, this is nothing new. To quote the late George Carlin:
"This item demonstrates how stupid the average American is. Every ninety minutes someone in this country is hit by a train. A train, okay? Trains are on tracks; they can't come and get you. They can't surprise you when you step off a curb. You have to go to them. Got that?"
IMO, the article is a shameless attempt to continue to skewer what has been made an easy target: Metrolink. The story would be much more meaningful if billed as "Motorists and pedestrians still deliberately disobey basic traffic laws." The facts themselves say quite a bit about motorist/pedestrian behavior and very little about Metrolink.
I read the article. I don't think that it was as shameless as you say it was.
I think we can all agree that most people who get hit by trains get hit because they made idiotic mistakes.
However, calling them idiots does nothing to solve the problem. It does absolutely nothing to prevent people from acting like idiots.
The article says that the MTA is way ahead of Metrolink when it comes to idiot-proofing its rails. The article also says that Metrolink is underfunded. It implies that safety funds are being spent in the wrong areas. These are issues that ought to be addressed.
It is irresponsible and insensitive to just throw up our hands and say "it's the driver's fault, it's not our problem." If these problems can be fixed by installing quad gates, they should be fixed. Even if it means shifting funds from expansion to safety.
I would love to see Metrolink get more funding - for safety, for track repairs, for expanding service, for conversion to TAP cards.
Sometimes you have to expose a problem such as this before it gets dealt with. I think that was what the Times was aiming for.
Analyzing a grade crossing for redesign or grade separation is something that must be done on a case by case basis. I have no doubt that there are some confusing crossings on the Metrolink system, but nothing that an attentive driver can't handle. Here's one that tricked a big rig driver:
Funny how everyone else was able to deal with the flaw at this crossing, though. So I don't know.
But to say the entire system is unsafe is pretty stupid. Separating every crossing from traffic without regard to context is even more stupid. People don't like to hear it, but the value of a human life is not infinite. It does not make sense to spend millions of dollars to save the one person a month who falls prey to Metrolink's thirst for blood.
the L.A Times article didn't say every intersection should be separated. where did that claim come from?
the article pretty much singled out two intersections that looked like they were slam dunks for installing quad gates.
it barely even touched on the issue of grade separation, which is a much more expensive solution (although one that will inevitably have to be addressed when high-speed rail comes through).
people have made some ridiculous claims when it came to safety, but this article wasn't one of them.
Death on the rails! All must bow down to Metrolink and their insatiable thirst for human flesh!
The article I saw included a map of the Metrolink system with bubbles around every grade crossing showcasing the amount of deaths at each one as if we are supposed to be frightened of trains or something.
One thing I found funny was how Metrolink was the epitome of unsafe railroads, unlike the MTA, haha. That should piss off FixExpo.
But nothing bothers Vowels as much as the belief that his wife's death might have been prevented had Metrolink installed a fence between its right-of-way across San Fernando Road and what was then a small hospital where he thinks she was heading.
...
Fifteen years after she died, the stretch where Joan Vowels was killed is still easily accessible to anyone on foot.
"It drives me nuts," Vowels said. "How much does it cost to put a damn fence up?"
So let me get this straight, your stupid wife decided to make the decision to save a few minutes by crossing the tracks in exchange for the risk to lose the years she would have lived had she decided to walk to a rail crossing?
If Metrolink ever proposes to build a fence here, I will oppose it!
This is why I don't understand people who jaywalk and cross tracks at places other than crossings. Yeah, cities suck and don't share our super liberal green views that streets are for people and not cars and blah blah blah, and you have to walk half a mile to a mile to cross the street at a designated intersection. But the extra 10-15 minutes it takes is not worth your life. People are making decisions that aren't in their best every single day.
Quote:
Since then, the agency has installed stanchions and locked gates at street crossings to prevent cars from driving onto the right-of-way. But pedestrians can simply walk around the barricades, and even a car could get past them by jumping the curb, because much of the track has yet to be enclosed in fence.
A car might jump a curb and still get hit! My God, we've gotta enclose this commuter railroad in those fences they install at Nascar tracks.
Spokker, you should be put in charge of Metrolink's PR department.
obviously, it's better to act like an arrogant, condescending jerk than to spend money on a chain link fence. obviously, the public is too dumb to live. it's so obvious!
why come up with simple, inexpensive solutions to a problem when you can set up strawman arguments and knock them down?
thank you for pointing out that Metrolink is perfect in every possible way and NEVER needs to change!
Spokker, you should be put in charge of Metrolink's PR department.
They don't have the guts
Put me in charge of Metrolink's Perris Line and I will route it through every playground near the ROW. Muahahahaha!
Quote:
the public is too dumb to live.
Actually, most of them are intelligent enough to not get hit by a train, hence the low number of fatalities compared to everything else in life that will kill you, including driving.
Quote:
why come up with simple, inexpensive solutions to a problem when you can set up strawman arguments and knock them down
Spend millions to save some guy's retarded wife. That's such an efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Actually, I'm only kidding. I would support a redesign of every Metrolink grade crossing that the LA Times thinks is dangerous, only after they put up a fence to separate the sidewalks I use every day from vehicle traffic. Together, we can make our world idiot proof.
why come up with simple, inexpensive solutions to a problem when you can set up strawman arguments and knock them down
Spend millions to save some guy's retarded wife. That's such an efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Actually, I'm only kidding. I would support a redesign of every Metrolink grade crossing that the LA Times thinks is dangerous, only after they put up a fence to separate the sidewalks I use every day from vehicle traffic. Together, we can make our world idiot proof.
I really don't see what your problem is here. Why do we have to be so reactionary to every safety suggestion? Why can't there be a compromise between overprotective, expensive Damien Goodmon/ NIMBY style "safety" and total kneejerk libertarian "it's your own fault for being a human being" irresponsible "safety"?
Metrolink is already skating on thin ice after last year's accident. There are plenty of people who would love to see the whole thing shut down.
These are not radical ideas that are being promoted, and the general public deserves better than the silence and boilerplate that Metrolink has been serving them.
Joined: Apr 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 518 Location: The Inland Empire
Re: Metrolink News/Alerts « Reply #238 on Oct 9, 2009, 3:00pm »
For the Record: Metrolink Budget Shortfall Proposed Actions
Several news sources and blogs have speculated possible Metrolink service reductions, mainly on weekends due to a Metrolink budget shortfall. Although some service reductions were considered, no Metrolink service reductions are recommended by staff at this time.
The following is a list of proposed budget alternatives that will be considered (following a public hearing period) by the Metrolink Board today (October 9, 2009):
A 4.5% fare increase effective on January 1st, 2010. Increase in the price of 10-trip ticket to be equivalent to 5 round trip fares. Cancel the December 25% monthly pass fare discount. Overtime reductions to maintenance of way operations. Suspension of the 2009 Holiday Toy Express. Metrolink patrons will be encouraged to donate toys directly to their local fire stations. Application of rail equipment lease proceeds as an additional funding source. Additional budget actions to reduce costs. Additional member agency subsidies
Joined: Apr 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 518 Location: The Inland Empire
Re: Metrolink News/Alerts « Reply #239 on Oct 11, 2009, 11:52pm »
Metrolink: No Service Reductions Proposed, Fare hikes are a last resort, Christmas Toy Train to Keep Rolling
It will no longer be acceptable to simply raise fares, while at the same time cutting service. We must find other solutions. - Leslie Rogers, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) at SunLine Transit Agencys 2nd Annual State of Public Transit Luncheon
By DUG BEGLEY The Press-Enterprise
No Service Reductions Proposed:
Metrolink officials researched reducing service, but pulled the suggestion from board consideration because cutbacks to train service also require lengthy public comment periods and approval from federal transit officials.
Fare Hikes Last Resort:
Metrolink board members said Friday they want to consider all their options including taking out a loan or cutting costs before they are forced to increase fares at a time when ridership is declining and commuters are cash-strapped.
Facing the loss of $5.5 million in fare revenue because fewer people are riding, commuter train officials are pondering a 3 to 6 percent hike in fares. For someone buying a round-trip ticket from downtown Riverside to Union Station in Los Angeles, the increase would raise the cost from $20.75 to between $21.50 and $22.75 on a weekday.
Board members Friday expressed deep reservations about raising fares.
"I don't think it's fair to ask these people who are being hit, trying to hold on, to pay more," Metrolink board member and Hemet Councilwoman Robin Lowe said.
On Friday, the board set a hearing for Nov. 13. Drew Phillips, the agency's budget director, said Metrolink staff has yet to support a rate hike. The agency is required to hold hearings before any rate increases are approved.
"We are now up against our timeline for any changes of ticket prices," said Metrolink CEO David Solow, adding that, if approved, the fee hikes could begin Jan. 1.
The region's job losses have cut into the number of commuters hopping on trains at a time when Metrolink is investing in safety improvements and facing higher costs as it maintains it fleet. Without quick action, the agency falls deeper into a budget morass, officials said.
Loan Option:
Metrolink staff and board members could find a solution instead of the fare increase before the public hearing. One suggestion is a loan from Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, which has a surplus, said Maureen Micheline, transportation director for LA Metro and a Metrolink board member.
Micheline said the transit system could lend Metrolink the money to make up the gap, and then the five counties that comprise Metrolink -- Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura -- could repay it.
If the loan is not approved by the Metrolink board, Micheline said Los Angeles County might try to "buy down" the rate hike for its residents.
Members did not formally discuss the loan offer, but many were supportive.
"We'll pledge our firstborn to fix this," San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris joked about fixing the budget without a fare increase.
Others said the loan didn't address Metrolink's need to raise revenue or curtail cost.
The loan would address the current shortfall, said Cathedral City Councilman Greg Pettis, "but it is not an answer to the question" of Metrolink spending more than it makes.
Lower Admin Costs:
Lowe and Pettis, both alternate members of the board for the Riverside County Transportation Commission, said before rates are raised on commuters, Metrolink must control its own costs, including a hard look at administrative expenses.
"All bets are off," Lowe said. "We hired two people to handle Twitter. Now how ignorant does this look as an organization?"
Metrolink spokesman Francisco Oaxaca said the agency has two vacant positions in its public relations office, one that will oversee sending information to riders pertinent to train times and delays. Twitter is one of the methods used to send riders up-to-date information, Oaxaca said.
Both positions were included in the agency's current fiscal year budget.
Some cost savings were also proposed by staff, such as eliminating overtime for maintenance crews and delaying acceptance of new passenger train cars.
Friday the board unanimously approved those changes.
Cutting back was more popular among board members Friday than increasing fares.
"We should not raise our ridership fares and we should be looking at service cuts if need be," said board chairman and Moorpark councilman Keith Millhouse of Ventura County.
Christmas Toy Train will Continue - Possible Private Sector Sponsorship/Funding Discussed
One cost saving suggestion by staff but rebuffed by the Metrolink board was suspending the Holiday Toy Train for this Christmas season.
The popular program where Metrolink delivers toys via train travels throughout the five counties and has gained a following. Officials said the toy trains are an introduction to Metrolink for youngsters who one day will commute to jobs in Southern California.
"My grandson wants to ride the Metrolink because of the holiday train," Morris, the San Bernardino mayor, said. "This seems to me to be a long-term investment."
Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich said suspending the service would probably cost the agency goodwill in the community, even if it was for only one year. Antonovich chided Metrolink staff for not more aggressively seeking corporate sponsors for the holiday trains.
"If we can't do it in-house, then we need to hire a development supervisor," he said.
Reach Dug Begley at 951-368-9475 or dbegley@PE.com
Additional member agency subsidies
Four of the five counties involved in Metrolink would also be asked to contribute more to help fill the commuter train system's budget gap. San Bernardino County, which already contributes more than $9 million each year to Metrolink, has seen ridership plummet, which means it will actually get money back because contributions are based on the number of riders from each county. Based on projections, below is the proposed additional contribution from the counties.
Re: Metrolink News/Alerts « Reply #241 on Oct 20, 2009, 2:57pm »
Metrolink is running some special trains for Tuesday's and Thursday's Angel games. That's great and all but I thought they had a budget crisis?
Quote:
Metrolink will operate a special train from Anaheim Stadium to Oceanside that will depart 45 minutes after the end of tonite's game (Tuesday October 20). Angels fans can take Metrolink Orange County train 609 departing Oceanside at 3:35 pm and arriving at Anaheim Stadium station at 4:42 pm to the game.
Quoting parts from a 4/2009 speech from FTA Transit Official Leslie Rogers, common sense budgeting and a sound Metrolink Business Plan must be done to sustain current transit operations as we transition from the recession to a recovery. Simply raising fares while cutting service is no longer acceptable. Other solutions must be found. Emerging opportunities such as public-private partnerships and sponsorships (ideal for weekend train runs), coordinated scheduling and fare policy for LOSSAN Corridor trains, branded train advertising and innovative transit-oriented development projects around Metrolink stations that bring housing and the train closer together combined with a restructured Business Plan can help offset Metrolink budget cuts.
TTC is putting a letter together. Much of the proposed cuts in Orange County and Riverside County run counter to numerous planned expansion projects conducted by OCTA and RCTC.
Return all comments or suggestions to Bart Reed, please.
If you drill down into the numbers on the trips being cut, you will see the harm to the network and the overall service. For example, this morning, the San Bernardino train pulled into Union Station and a number of riders switched to the Moorpark and the Antelope Valley trains. Cutting the service on the Ventura Line 8:50 a.m. outbound at Union Station leaves transferring riders with an incomplete trip corridor and the service becomes worthless on both legs without the complete corridor.
Re: Metrolink News/Alerts « Reply #243 on Dec 3, 2009, 8:01pm »
Please look at the simple instructions on the Meeting reduction notice and send an email to Metrolink. Even a comment that a 6% hike is better than service cuts can make a difference.
If these cuts get through, it will be years before Metrolink will be used by riders whose trip corridors were destroyed so they can't complete a trip journey.
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