Don't cross Metro, they really mean it. Traffic cameras and police will help catch impatient motorists and pedestrians at grade crossings for the Gold Line's Eastside extension, transportation officials said Tuesday.
Sheriff's deputies and Los Angeles police have been actively patrolling the grade crossings on the 6-mile extension from Union Station to East Los Angeles during test runs of the line, according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
In response to recommendations by a panel of rail transit experts, MTA officials are also installing cameras at 14 intersections to catch scofflaws who drive around crossing arms.
Three rail safety and operations experts reviewed the line for safety and concluded "it has been designed to be a safe, efficient and effective extension of the Pasadena Gold Line.
"The at-grade crossings have incorporated design features to promote the safe movement of trains and motor vehicles through these intersections."
But the panel also suggested additional safety enhancements, including:
-- fencing where jaywalking is frequent;
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-- the installation of rumble strips or reflective markings to better alert motorists;
-- reduction of warning sign clutter; and
-- coordination with local police to enforce the "Stop Here" and "Keep Clear" requirements for motorists and pedestrians.
MTA officials said they will incorporate those recommendations. They have also deployed safety ambassadors to help educate the public.
The panel of safety experts, chosen by MTA Chief Executive Officer Art Leahy, included:
-- Cameron Beach, a member of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors;
-- Peter Tereschuck, a senior operations engineer and transportation manager, who oversaw the start of the San Diego Trolley and worked on rail lines in several major metropolitan areas; and
-- Harry Saporta, a safety consultant, who served as director of the Federal Transit Administration's Office of Safety and Security.
Stepped-up testing of the line to familiarize train operators and staff with the service and synchronize the trains with existing service on the Gold Line has been underway for the last week.
Officials say they expect to announce a date for the start of public service soon.
