Gold Line Sounds the Bell for Safety and Traffic Relief

Re “A Leaden Lining to Gold Line: Noise,” July 2: Perhaps the best solution for South Pasadena would be to build a large wall around the city and to dump vats of boiling oil down on perceived intrusions.

I am a resident of South Pasadena and I love the small-town charm, the “walkability,” the sense of community for which we are known. However, I dislike the cars that blitz down residential streets and the commuters who make darting left turns, leaving me clutching the stroller that carries my two daughters, often in the middle of an intersection.

We oppose the extension of the 710 Freeway and now we oppose safety measures (horns and bells) and a train that is intended to alleviate some of the traffic through our quaint city? South Pasadenans need to realize that we are not a medieval hilltop town and that the noise of the Gold Line is just the newest reminder of our connections to the larger cities around us.

Senya Lubisich

South Pasadena

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The South Pasadena City Council’s shortsighted attempt to hamper MTA Gold Line operations will probably result in driver and pedestrian fatalities. Prohibiting warning horns and limiting train speeds to 20 mph at street-level rail crossings may mislead some drivers into thinking that they can outrace an oncoming train, which, even at a slow speed, moves with enough force to demolish any passenger vehicle.

Pedestrians, especially children, might also falsely believe that they can scamper across the tracks in time to beat a Gold Line train. If the city does not seek a reasonable compromise that encompasses both safety and neighborhood concerns, the inevitable result will be tragedy and deep-pocket lawsuits.

Ollamon Alexander

Pasadena

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I live within earshot of a crossing gate in South Pasadena, and every time I hear the sounds of the train it reminds me of the efforts to curb some of the traffic problems. It will also help those who are unable to travel any other way.

People in cities throughout the world take the trains in stride and get used to minor annoyances for the sake of the bigger picture.

David I. Reynolds

South Pasadena