by Mody Gorsky
The Spectrum Rotary Club presented a check of $1,000 to Allison Burnigham in support of her walk for breast cancer.
Sarah Swensson and Eileen Padberg from Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) provided some education on the upcoming Metrolink increase in 2010. The link will increase service between Fullerton and Laguna Niguel.
OCTA is working with cities where enhancements are taking place to allow for safety measures. Cities along the route, such as Irvine, which has two locations to be enhanced, are being informed of details behind the pending construction.
A surprising amount of the public (80%) is unaware of train crossing safety. As a result of the research that came up with this figure, OCTA has teamed up with Operation Life Force to put together an awareness campaign focusing on: education, engineering and enforcement.
OCTA is going to schools to educate children about crossing tracks safely, and working with community leaders to build awareness.
In addition, local law enforcement will issue citations to those not follow train safety laws, emphasizing the importance of safety laws in place. “Forty five percent [of drivers] speed up to get through gates closing; 20% stop on the tracks and 7,000 pedestrians neglect to look both ways when crossing [the tracks]” Says Sarah Swensson.
OCTA is working with communities and businesses near the tracks in order to help them understand how the changes will affect their cities and businesses. One of the strategies will be to institute “Quiet Zones.” No horns will be blown [by the trains], but instead crossing will utilize lights and bells to warn those near the track.
To find out more about the OCTA upgrade, visit the updated website
The website provides information on the new project and a toll free number to lodge concerns and complaints.
