Metrolink in the right-of-way The tragedy between...
Metrolink in the right-of-way
The tragedy between the Metrolink train and a car left parked on
the tracks was unfortunate.
I do not remember whether he had insurance or not, but the name of
the game for the ambulance chaser is to sue the guy with the most
money, guilty or not.
Metrolink, or any other train company, have the right-of-way. They
cannot stop on a dime. If there is a walker, a bike rider, a
transient sleeping on the track or some jerk trying to beat the
warning signal at an intersection that is too bad, too sad.
To Metrolink, keep up the good work!
RICHARD WILLIAMS
Burbank
Push-pull change is not needed
Metrolink should not change from push-pull. The safety improvement
would be marginal at best and there are plenty of accident scenarios
in which the result could be worse with a locomotive leading.
Rail safety is 99% about prevention. The petitioners should be
campaigning for funds to separate railroads from highways, not waste
money on “wye” tracks.
PAUL DYSON
Burbank
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dyson is director of the Rail Passenger Assn. of
California.
Direction won’t solve problem
I read with alarm about attempts to ban the push-pull method of
moving trains on Metrolink. Push-pull has been used safely in the
rail industry for years. I easily feel safer at the front of a
“pushed” train than I do driving. I have no doubts of the sincerity
of those seeking to ban push-pull.
But I feel such a move would only waste money while gaining
nothing in increased safety. The biggest safety problem on the rails
today are people and vehicles on the tracks, where they don’t belong.
This is at the heart of the terrible crash in Glendale early this
year. Money for safety is better spent eliminating train crossings
across roads and security for fighting trespassers. This with
improved signaling to prevent trains from running into each other are
the highest priorities for rail safety.
I would like to quote from an article just published in the Rail
Passenger Assn. of California newsletter by Art Lloyd. Lloyd is a
RailPAC director, has been involved with railroading for more than 50
years and wrote this article in his capacity as a spokesperson for
Operation Livesaver, the leading national organization for rail
safety.
“The question of ‘push-pull’ train has come into play since the
tragic incident in Glendale on Jan. 26. All of the commuter agencies
in California and nationwide utilize push-pull as a very
cost-effective and efficient practice. The cab cars meet all Federal
Railroad Administration standards as to buffer strength and safety.
Caltrain (in the Bay Area) has had two incidents involving hitting
automobiles on the right-of-way and there were barely scratches on
the cab car and no derailments.
“The Glendale incident was unusual in all respects. The SUV was on
the right of way and wedged between the rails; locomotive or cab car
would have derailed. If the locomotive had been on the head end it
could have burst into fire, as the SUV was on fire and conflagration
could have been worse. The call is difficult, but the consensus is
that cab cars are ultimately safe.”
NOEL T. BRAYMER
Oceanside
EDITOR’S NOTE: Braymer is president of the Rail Passenger Assn. of
California.
Schiff must have found something youthful
Seeing the picture of Rep. Adam B. Schiff on Page A2 of today’s
Burbank Leader has convinced me that he found the oft-sought after
Fountain of Youth in Washington, D.C., after he was elected
congressman for California’s 29th Congressional District in November
2000.
During the campaign that month, I was one of more than one hundred
senior citizens in line outside of Joslyn Adult Center to receive a
flu shot. Candidate Schiff moved slowly along our line introducing
himself while pressing the flesh. Later he entered the center and
discussed his candidacy with citizens in more detail. Nearly five
years later, he appears younger and more trim. He probably shuns pork
barrel shenanigans.
CHARLES HANSEN MONT
Burbank
Top story at bottom is pretty odd
I recently moved to Burbank, and have been receiving the Burbank
Leader for about three months now. I enjoy the paper, as your
reporters cover the city in a unique and interesting way. My reason
for writing does not come from the content, but from the design.
Each paper announces its “Top Story” at the bottom of the page.
That’s really, well, odd. If it truly were the top story, it would
be in the top right corner. I am a journalist myself (for the Los
Angeles Daily Journal), and so my sensitivities may be heightened for
that reason. However, I suspect many readers find this jarring as
well.
The tag is also unnecessary. In the weekend edition (July 9-10),
the article in the display slot (“Transit security put on alert”), is
given the most prominence and weight on the page. It is the top
story. But it is not called that.
Instead, the “Top Story” is “Relatives petition Metrolink,” which,
while interesting, is not as important as the display piece.
DAN EVANS
Burbank