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September
16,
2005 |
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End-to-End, Day and Night-Time Testing to Begin on Metro Orange Line Transitway
Testing Update
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. Metro-129 |
