That’s A Wrap: METRO Kicks Off New Safety Campaign is a post from: Rail Life

This morning, METRO kicked off their new “stop on red” safety campaign by unveiling a newly wrapped light rail car at their operations and maintenance facility. As an incentive to be safe, METRO will give away 52 all-day transit passes to one lucky pledge. It’s your opportunity to leave your car at home and try transit once a week, for a year, on us! (Everyone who pledges by December 31, 2010 will qualify for the raffle giveaway.)

To take the pledge or for more information on METRO’s safety campaign, visit www.metrolightrail.org/safety.

The video below shows the newly wrapped light rail car arriving to this morning’s press conference with it’s very own police escort.

During the meeting we were also told that accidents are down for the year, and METRO is very committed to safety for riders and drivers. According to Shanna Ellis at today’s meeting, “the cost for running a red light or arrow starts at $178.00.” We also learned that METRO is experiencing a 56% decrease in collisions for 2010 versus this same time last year. In 2009, there were 52 collisions ( 43 through September ) and 19, thus far, in 2010. The primary cause of METRO-involved collisions is red light running by drivers of automobiles.

In this video, a Phoenix police representative explains why it is important for people to pay attention to safety when near the light rail cars. The obvious call for action is to tell people not to run red arrows!

“Running red arrows around light rail tracks can result in serious fines, suspension of license, can injure and kill people and cause serious disruption to the public transit system.”

METRO stresses driver safety with ‘Stop on red’ train wrap

Online pledge to solidify driver commitment

PHOENIX — METRO light rail unveiled a new train wrap today.  It showcases a bold, yet simple, public safety message:  Stop on red.  Obeying traffic signals is key to safely sharing the road with the 20-mile, in-street METRO light rail system.

“We wanted to use our most visual asset – our light rail vehicle – to convey the importance of this message,” said CEO Steve Banta.  “Safety remains a METRO priority and we continue to think of creative ways to keep the message top of mind for Valley drivers and passengers.”

The Stop on Red wrapped train is now in service.  The wrap will remain through the fall and winter – a busy ridership and visitor season for both METRO and the Valley of the Sun.

“The Stop on Red train wrap is a great way to remind drivers to use caution around light rail when it matters most – when they’re driving!” said METRO Board Chairman and Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot.  “METRO is using this innovative way to take the safety message right to the street.”

Also launched today is the Stop on Red online pledge.  The pledge is intended to solidify drivers’ commitments to stopping on red and remaining an aware driver.  As incentive, each person to sign will be entered into a drawing for 52 free all-day transit passes – a little encouragement to leave the car behind and try transit once a week, for a year.

In Tempe, Man Proves That Alcohol And Light Rail Don’t Mix is a post from: Rail Life

OK, I have been biting my tongue this week over the news stories about light rail crashes but this bonehead move just kind of set me off…

Don’t drink and drive. We have heard it tens of thousands of times. In fact, many people really like taking light rail to and from fun festivals, sporting events, concerts, etc. because they often feel like it would be better to take the Metro than to get behind the wheel of a car after a drink, or two.

Apparently Steven, the driver of a PT Cruiser, didn’t get the “don’t drink and drive” memo and decided to drive onto the light rail bridge. Yes, really. The story was covered by several media outlets and can be found on ABC 15’s web site where they wrote an article titled, “ Man drives onto light rail tracks in Tempe.” Metro spokesperson Hillary Foose said that light rail traffic was diverted to single tracks while the car was removed.

Who knows what this guy was thinking. I can’t imagine trying to drive onto this bridge. If you have never seen it, you might think it could be an easy mistake to have made. If you have seen this bridge, you are probably like me and scratching your head wondering what the heck happened. I found a video I shot of my first trip over the light rail bridge back in October of 2008 which was prior to the light rail grand opening. At that time, no one had tried to drive a car over the bridge, but I think it will give people a decent view of the tracks and how they look while traveling over Tempe Town Lake. The video is less than a minute long, but you will see the track and the fact that it really wasn’t designed with PT Cruisers in mind.

While the stupid stunt by Steven wasn’t quite as “news worthy” as the accident below, it is kind of interesting.

You may remember this accident from last year when someone pulled out in front of a train. Stuff happens all the time around town, but when it comes to media attention, all you have to do is mention light rail and add someone that isn’t paying attention and you get to be on TV. Recently, Lori Jane Gliha did a story about light rail accidents where they talked about light rail safety and how dangerous some of the intersections are. While I am all for light rail safety campaigns, I think most of this stuff comes down to personal responsibility. I’m pretty sure that each and every accident has been the fault of the driver not paying attention. These things are trains, they are BIG and they make noise. You throw a little bit of alcohol in the mix and you really start to have problems.

Be careful out there folks, it’s a dangerous world.

ShareTweet

Building Communities without Bricks or Mortar is a post from: Rail Life

I imagine it’s no big secret that I love to meet new people and to have a good time. Over the past couple of years, I have been fortunate to meet a ton of really cool people while writing this blog and while looking for “content” to write about. The amount of people that are connected downtown and who are making a difference has been truly inspiring to me.

Back in March, I wrote a post about some really cool people at the “Stand and Serve Central Corridor Initiative.” (SSCCI) Back then, our mutual friend, Kimber Lanning had introduced us in thinking we might have some similar interests in discussing communities along the light rail. Turns out, she was right!

SSCCI is a youth-focused coalition of organizations, schools, families and community members committed to safe, healthy and respectful lives along the metro light rail. The group meets monthly at the Phoenix Library, and I have been able to attend a couple of their meetings and get to know some of the people involved. Our friend, Marty McNeil from Metro Light Rail has been very active with the group, as well.

This past week, I had coffee with  Jennifer Rauhouse of “Peer Solutions” and Chuck Fitzgerald, who works with Arizona DES and who is doing some amazing things  to help fight child hunger in Arizona. Turns out, Chuck and I have a mutual friend in Pat McCalla, who also does some really great work in downtown Phoenix. “Coincidentally,” Pat works with my friend Brenda who I met via Twitter. :-)

While there are many people that just don’t “get” social networking or understand that the true goal is to bring online relationships to “face to face” interactions, there are many that look forward to spreading their reach into the community for some real benefits.

The main reason for me getting together with Jennifer and Chuck this week was to talk more about how SSCCI can reach out to the community. We talked about effective ways to convey their message and about joining forces to find even more mutual friends to help them in their efforts. The terms respect, responsibility, and unity were things that Jennifer brought up several times. In the near future, they will have a louder voice from a blog, from Twitter, and a Facebook Fan Page. Social media is here, it is a way to communicate, but does not mean, as some still don’t understand, that it simply exists on a computer.

I am excited to see what SSCCI does next and am glad they thought enough of me to see if/how we can help.

Community can be built many ways. I’m thankful for knowing that…

Metro Security Test is a post from: Rail Life

With some of the crazy stories about scum bag terrorists in the news lately, you can’t help but think of security issues. In fact, Metro released a message recently saying that “METRO is being extra vigilant and has a top-of-the-line security system.”

This past week, suspicious activity was noticed by Metro when a car was seen following a train, and then another train and yet another along the same section of track. ( I believe it was along Apache  in Tempe.) Police were called to stop and question the driver’s suspicious activity. Turns out, the driver had a dog that likes to watch the trains! :-)

Security and safety is a high priority to Metro. They have a “command center” where each train and station can be monitored via cameras. Security cameras are in place inside and outside of each train and at each station. Apparently, they are working well…

Light rail crashes create quite a stir! is a post from: Rail Life

This morning’s crash between a Metro light rail car and  Valley Metro bus appears to have been the most serious crash yet. Early reports say that 8 people were injured in the crash at 1st Avenue and Washington.

The crash happened shortly after 6:30 this morning and channel 3 was quick to put out a video update of the crash. After that, it seems like just about every news organization was there to cover the story.

It is being reported that this is the 21st accident involving our 20 mile light rail system and, so far, there has not been a light rail operator cited for the crashes. One Republic reporter wrote today that, “Metro spokeswoman Marty McNeil said video footage indicated the train had a vertical white bar, signifying it was clear to travel through the intersection. The same footage showed the bus driver had a red turn arrow but ignored it, McNeil said.”

Minor damage was reported by a passenger who said he felt the collision but it didn’t seem too dramatic. A brief video showing the damage was also posted on the azcentral web site. Other reports indicate some of the injuries may have been more serious.

Once again, it appears that people need to pay closer attention when driving near a light rail vehicle. Back in March of this year, Metro CEO Rick Simonetta responded to an article in the paper questioning the safety of our system which drew comparisons to Houston’s early days of their light rail system, which was widely criticized for a large number of accidents. At 7.5 miles of track, Houston had 17 accidents in their first two months of operation compared to 10 in Phoenix during the same time. Many of the changes that Houston implemented, Metro was able to use in designing our system. Safety and awareness campaigns certainly play a large role in helping to keep the number of accidents to a minimum. While they make the news almost every time they occur, accidents are gonna be around as long as we all are.

So, stay safe, pay attention and watch out for those really big things driving in a dedicated roadway.

METRO safety art contest for students is a post from: Rail Life

For immediate release

June 3, 2009

A key to METRO light rail’s success is a safe operation.  METRO hopes to continue to educate Valley young people on light rail safety with a summer art contest titled “Picture Yourself Safe.”

METRO invites fourth through sixth grade students in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa to illustrate ways in which they stay safe around light rail with the “Picture Yourself Safe” art contest. This is a great opportunity for students to show their talent, understanding of important safety messages and to gain regional exposure for themselves and their school.

One winner will be selected from each city and receive 30 all-day transit passes. The three winning illustrations will be featured on METRO’s 2009 back-to-school safety posters and in a light rail station display case in each city.

Those interested may download an entry form at www.metrolightrail.org/safety or pick up one at the METRO office. Completed entry forms and illustrations must be returned in-person or mailed to the METRO office before July 31, 2009. Only one entry per student is permitted.

Pick up or submit entry forms to the METRO office at:

METRO

Re: “Picture Yourself Safe” Contest

101 N. 1st Ave., 13th Floor

Phoenix, AZ85003

The safety of pedestrians, motorists and passengers around light rail continues to be a METRO priority. Please help us share METRO safety tips including obey traffic signals, use the crosswalks, stay off the tracks and look and listen for the train.

For more METRO safety tips and how to ride information, visit www.metrolightrail.org/

For more on the “Picture Yourself Safe” art contest, contact Andrea Libey at (602) 495-8209 or alibey@metrolightrail.org

When riding light rail, use common sense is a post from: Rail Life

Today, METRO issued a reminder for people when riding the new light rail line. Basically, it looks like they want everyone to be aware of the rules since there will be a lot of people using public transportation for the first time. As typical, most rules are things that many would consider as common sense items. Just like the safety campaigns that are so important, if you pay attention and don’t do stupid things near the light rail cars, no one gets hurt.

For immediate release December 19, 2008

METRO citations extend to misconduct on board the trains or stations

PHOENIX — METRO has a zero-tolerance policy for violators of its code of conduct.  The cities in which METRO runs through – Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa – have approved a set of ordinances and policies that are designed to protect the health, security and safety of passengers.  Violators are subject to fines ranging from $50 to $500 dollars and may lose their public transit privileges.
In addition to citing for fare evasion, the ordinances and policies allow security officers to quash negative behaviors on the train or platform that have an impact on the overall customer experience and reliability of service. A few of the key ordinances and policies to watch for are:

·Eating is not allowed on the train, although you may carry groceries.

·Non-alcoholic beverages are permitted if carried in an unbreakable, spill-proof container such as a commuter cup or screw-top plastic bottle.

·Earphones are required when using audio or video devices.

·Alcohol and tobacco are prohibited.

·Vandalism or willful destruction of METRO property is punishable by fine.

·Do not lie down or place your feet on the seats. Always yield the priority seating area to seniors and people with disabilities.

·You may not spend more than one hour at a METRO station.

·Leashed or harnessed guide or service animals are permitted on the train. All other animals must be carried inside a completely enclosed and secured cage or carrying case small enough to fit on a rider’s lap and must not endanger or disturb other passengers.

These ordinances apply to all transit vehicles in the Valley, including local bus. For more information on how to ride the train, download the METRO “Ride Guide”

Remember, there is just one week until the grand opening. Safety is METRO’s number one concern. Please pay attention, obey the signs, play by the rules and enjoy the ride. After all, “Your Life Is On The Line!”

Metro’s Hillary Foose talks Light Rail Safety and Etiquette is a post from: Rail Life

Metro’s Hillary Foose was kind enough to speak to us about some more safety and etiquette tips to think about when riding the light rail line. We have tried to keep you informed about light rail safety but it is great to have someone like Hillary to give us some more valuable information. Thanks Hillary!

Some of the things we talked about were:

Textured Striping: You will notice this at each light rail stop. Basically, it is a barrier to let people know to stay far enough away from the oncoming or departing trains.

Station Signage: Each station will have posted and electronic signage to help alert you of which way the trains travel, when to expect a train etc. Great info!

Fare Vending Machines: Fare Vending Machines are located on the station ramps, this is different than riding the bus. ie: You will pay prior to boarding. Of course, this will vary, depending on the type of fare you purchase. If using a monthly or day pass, I don’t believe you need to stop at the vending machine. Remember, the system runs on an honor system and the light rail fares are the same as the bus.

Etiquette: One great example mentioned by Hillary was to make sure and let passengers get off of the train prior to you boarding. This system is going to be new to many people here in Arizona. We have mentioned our friends at “Muni Manners” in San Francisco. Take a look at some of the cool tips they provide as “veterans” of the public transportation world.

So, take a look at this short video, get familiar with the “textured striping”, be alert and have fun once the light rail begins carrying passengers in December! And, don’t forget that… “Your Life Is On The Line!”

Rail Life “Flickr Pic” of the week – Safety overload is a post from: Rail Life

Metro has asked that people try to help spread the safety word. This past week, we went downtown and took some pictures of a few of the new safety signs and some changes in the road ways that people should be aware of. With all of the testing going on, they are still in a pretty controlled environment. Once December gets here and the light rail cars begin their full time journey through the 20 mile route, people are going to need to be more aware of their surroundings. You think the media is gonna be covering this thing from now until grand opening? You bet… But, wait till the first accident, now THAT is gonna be big news. This weeks "pic of the week" should be pretty easy to figure out… Don't Drive on the tracks! OK?

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.

ShareTweet

Light Rail Safety – “Here’s Your Sign!” is a post from: Rail Life

Everyone knows the old “here’s your sign” joke. We have noticed a lot of new signs along the light rail line that many people are unaware of. Hopefully, we can all figure out, in a hurry, how to navigate the areas near the trains so that no one gets hurt. Metro has begun their safety campaigns and if I remember correctly, has a budget of approximately $500k to help spread the word. (if this is wrong, I’m sure someone can correct us) I have asked them to send us copies of safety information to share. So far, I have a safety brochure from them which can be found on their site. On Metro’s safety page, they give some common sense tips on how not to get killed. Some beauties like, don’t park your car or bike on the tracks… An interesting page also talks about the most common accident types. This might be one to pay attention to. Here are a few signs we took pictures of along the downtown Phoenix Light Rail area.

We know there will be stupid people driving near the light rail trains but hope the accidents are kept to a minimum and no one gets hurt. Pay attention, be aware of your surroundings and enjoy the ride! :-)