November
18,
2003
CONTACT:
Dave Sotero/Marc Littman
MTA MEDIA RELATIONS
(213) 922-3007/922-2700
www.metro.net/press/pressroom
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MTA Urges L.A. Commuters to Stay Safe as Metro Buses, Trains Resume Service Beginning Today
As
Metro Buses and Rail lines resume service starting today after a 35-day transit
strike, MTA is urging all Los Angeles County commuters to again pay attention to
their personal safety when MTA's nearly 2,400 Metro Buses and 73 miles of
Metro Rail service come back online this week.
"Personal safety is
especially important for all Angelenos as we bring the transit system back
online," said Roger Snoble, MTA's CEO. "After more than a month of little
to no transit service, people may have gotten used to the absence of buses and
trains on the streets and within their communities. We're moving quickly to
resume our normal operating schedule, and that can mean peril for people who
have simply forgotten normal bus and rail safety precautions."
MTA recommends several important safety measures to ensure that Metro transit service resumes accident-free:
Never
walk or play on or near train tracks.
Look
carefully for buses and trains coming from both directions.
As
light rail trains are very quiet, don't use headsets or cell phones around
train tracks, as they might prevent you from hearing approaching trains.
Hold
on to your child's hand when using station escalators or around tracks or
crossings.
Always
use crosswalks. Make sure that motorists see you while crossing or making
turns.
Always
wait for rail crossing gates to close and reopen before crossing an
intersection.
Don't
stand in the street to look for buses.
Always stop behind the
white line on the road and wait for the train to pass.
Observe all warning
devices such as bells, flashing lights and crossing arms.
Never go around lowered
gate arms.
When rail crossing lights
start flashing, clear tracks immediately.
Never race trains.
If your car stalls on the
tracks, get out and run fast at an angle in the direction of the approaching
train to prevent being hit by debris.
Never turn left against a
red left turn arrow.
Stay away from rail
platform edges to avoid falling into the path of an approaching train.
Never
run near a bus or train. Wait for the next one.
Hold
a child's hand to ensure they board safely.
Hold
on to rails and straps to avoid falling while onboard.
For additional information on
available Metro transit services or to plan your next commute, please call
1-800-COMMUTE or visit WWW.MTA.NET.
MTA-184