End-to-End, Day and Night-Time Testing to Begin on Metro Orange Line

Friday September 16, 2005

Transitway Testing Update Metro gives public tips for staying safe when interacting with test buses

Metro will begin day and night testing of its buses on the Metro Orange Line as early as Monday, Sept. 19, and reminds pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists to use caution when interacting with buses, which will be traveling along the entire right-of-way between North Hollywood and Woodland Hills.

Bus testing, which began August 21 between North Hollywood and Van Nuys, will extend the full 14-mile route, passing through 36 street intersections. Bus operators will have access to the transitway at any time to test-run Metro’s new 60-foot ‘Metro Liner’ buses, and will increasingly mimmick regular scheduled service to prepare for the official October 29 transitway opening date.

Metro is strongly urging residents to remain alert and strictly adhere to all clearly marked signs and signals, both on the transitway and at street intersections. Trespassing on the transitway for any reason is strictly prohibited.

To help ensure public safety, Metro provides these simple but important safety tips:

Always be alert at intersections. Hazards come from every angle at street intersections, including pedestrians, bicycle riders, other vehicles and new 60-foot long Metro Liner buses. Always be prepared for what may be coming from around the corner.

Never turn right on a red arrow. Obey all traffic signals. Right turns on a red arrow are prohibited. Do not attempt them. A red light means that a bus may be passing through the intersection at any time.

Stay out of Keep Clear zones. The Keep Clear zone delineates the transitway lanes that cross through intersections. Never enter or stop in a Keep Clear zone unless you can clear the intersection immediately.

Proceed with caution. Signals are designed with arrows to let you know in which direction to proceed. An up arrow means go straight, with no turns allowed. Even when lights are green, use caution and only proceed when the intersection is clear. Never run a yellow light.

Be mindful of the flashing Bus sign. Rely on signals and electronic signs to safely navigate the intersection, as some intersections may have limited visibility to approaching buses. Always obey the signals, and never cross when bus signs are flashing.

 “At Metro, Safety’s First,” said Gary Spivack, transportation manager for Metro. “Following these important steps will help ensure everyone’s safety as Metro works to bring this major new transit service to the San Fernando Valley.”

The agency is working closely with law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement along the Metro Orange Line during testing. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Police Department will patrol the transitway and street intersections and will issue citations for violations.

For more information on the Metro Orange Line, please visit metro.net/orange line.