Blue Line Rail Crossings

* Responding to “MTA Can Do Little to Boost Crossing Safety, Study Finds,” Feb. 22: I agree with the MTA committee’s conclusion to maintain the speed of the Blue Line. The problem is not with the trains, or the crossing signals, but with negligent motorists. What about installing cameras at these crossings to record and cite these illegal motorists?

Obviously, there are many more motorists who cross the tracks illegally without getting hit than those who do end up as a statistic. If all the crossings along the Blue Line had cameras to capture the license numbers and pictures of these illegal motorists, this would serve as a deterrent.

Further, it is not fair that the higher-than-average accident rate along the Blue Line in South-Central L.A. should affect the costs, design or construction dates for the Blue Line addition from L.A. to Pasadena.

DAVID J. ABDO

Altadena

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* It is one thing to criticize the proposed Arroyo, a.k.a. Pasadena line on its own strengths/weaknesses, but it is quite another to use problems associated with the Long Beach/Los Angeles Blue Line to prove your case. The winding turns along the Arroyo route will not allow the train to travel anywhere near the speed of the Blue Line, where trains fly by at 55 mph through straightaway sections. This would be impossible through areas like Mount Washington and South Pasadena. In addition, the Arroyo line will be cut and covered underneath arguably the busiest intersection (Marmion Way and Figueroa Street).

Don’t get me wrong: I have concerns about the line as well, but I think commuters and pedestrians are ultimately responsible for their actions in and around train tracks. The MTA can only do so much to ensure our safety. Let’s judge the proposed line on its own terms.

NICK SANTANGELO

Los Angeles

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* It seems illogical to place blame with the train. The accidents occur when a motorist violates the law. But then again, this is the city where we voted to outlaw subways when the politicians betrayed us and wasted half the money.

JON HARTMANN

Los Angeles