Capital Metro Responds to TV News Allegation of Rail Incident at MLK Crossing
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Capital Metro Responds to TV News Allegation of Rail Incident at MLK Crossing
June 8, 2009On Thursday, June 4, a local television station aired a story alleging that the driver of an SUV was nearly hit by a Capital MetroRail train at the MLK crossing on May 28. Capital Metro's preliminary review of this allegation shows no evidence of any 'near miss' involving a MetroRail train.
Capital Metro thoroughly investigates all safety allegations and claims against the Authority. Each MetroRail train is equipped with sixteen interior and exterior cameras as well as data recorders to aid in such investigations and enhance safety. Capital Metro shares any relevant information with law enforcement and risk pool investigators as needed.
Based on a preliminary review of this allegation, a MetroRail train approached the crossing at no more than 15 miles-per-hour and stopped prior to entering the crossing to wait for the gates to activate. When the gates lowered, the train proceeded at a slow rate of speed through the crossing which is the proper procedure when approaching a crossing in which safety equipment is still being adjusted.
Video and data from the train indicate:
- An SUV and other vehicles at a complete stop at a safe distance from the tracks
- The train makes a complete stop prior to entering the crossing
- An SUV accelerates from a stopped position through the crossing as the gates come down while the train remains stopped
- The train proceeds at a speed of less than one mile-per-hour through the crossing after the gates come down
- There is no indication of a 'near miss' between a moving train and any other vehicle
- There is no indication that an SUV was pushed onto the tracks into the path of an oncoming train
Video Clip One: http://tinyurl.com/n4t23v (Image in lower-right quadrant shows forward view from the front of the train)
Video Clip Two: http://tinyurl.com/n4gcmf (Image shows forward view from the rear left side of the train)
Video Clip Three: http://tinyurl.com/m9w7yl (Image shows rear view from the back of the train)
ABOUT CAPITAL METRO Capital Metro's mission is to provide quality public transportation choices for our community that meet the needs of our growing region. With the highest per capita ridership in Texas, Capital Metro serves more than 3,000 bus stops with metro, flyer and express routes, downtown `Dillo circulator routes and UT Shuttle service. Capital Metro also provides MetroAccess service for passengers with disabilities, van and carpool coordination, and freight rail service.
Capital MetroRail is a new passenger rail system expected to begin soon between the City of Leander and the Convention Center in Downtown Austin. MetroRail is part of the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan that includes expanded local and express bus service, MetroRapid bus service, and new and improved park and ride lots. For more information, including an online trip planner and a commute cost calculator, visit www.capmetro.org or call (512) 474-1200.
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Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200