Preventing Deaths on Railroad Tracks

In the wake of the tragic deaths of two little girls in Upland, some have criticized Metrolink for allegedly refusing to fence tracks except in response to public pressure. They call Metrolink’s ongoing educational program “dumb” (Bill Boyarsky’s Oct. 27 column).

For the last five years, since Metrolink began operations, we have installed fences as a deterrent in areas where trespassing problems have been identified. We welcome any additional funds for fencing and applaud California Transportation Commissioner Dana Reed and Rep. Jay Kim (R-Diamond Bar) for trying to identify funding.

But it is naive to think that fencing alone is the solution. No amount of fencing can prevent tragic deaths when people continue to trespass onto railroad property. Fencing may deter some, but it would not have saved most of the 14 people who died this year on our tracks. Personal and parental responsibility must come into play.

Ride with a train engineer. Witness the daily near-misses and narrow escapes firsthand and you will begin to understand the urgency of our ongoing rail-safety educational efforts in schools and the community. See private property fences that have been cut, repaired and cut again by those who persist in taking dangerous shortcuts. Watch how many people jog, bike and play on railroad tracks. It becomes obvious that no fence or posted trespassing sign will replace what is desperately needed: common sense.

ALEX CLIFFORD, Chairman

Southern California Regional

Rail Authority/Metrolink