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Sunday, 09/18/05

Orange Line busway warning period is 'definitely over'
Deputies issuing citations, warning as opening day nears

Warning! Joggers, bicyclists, Rollerbladers and moms with strollers:
Stay off the Orange Line busway route, even if you don't see buses yet.

Anticipating increased practice runs of the 30-ton buses on Monday and
the start of service Oct. 29, sheriff's deputies have been issuing as
many as 100 warnings a day to trespassers on the 14-mile route.
Deputies
also have cited more than 100 drivers for traffic violations on or
around the path.

"In the interest of public safety, the warning period is definitely
over," said sheriff's Lt. Mike Parker, who heads up San Fernando Valley
transit police services.

Bus drivers will practice day and night along the entire line between
North Hollywood and Warner Center as Metropolitan Transportation
Authority officials gear up for the $330 million Orange Line's formal
opening.

Authorities urge drivers to start getting used to new intersections and
pay attention to all traffic signs - including no-turn arrows, "Keep
Clear" zones and flashing signs that announce a bus is coming.

The Orange Line, unlike a train line, does not have crossing gates to
halt motorists. Instead, many traffic signals at major Valley
intersections have been changed to add new lights, turn-arrows and
other
features to accommodate the busway.

"These are common-sense safety issues clearly marked for all of the
public to see," said MTA spokesman Dave Sotero. "We're just asking that
they be more mindful at these intersections."

The Sheriff's Department has four motorcycle officers
assigned solely to the Orange Line, typically following the practice
buses and issuing citations to drivers.

Traffic citations can cost hundreds of dollars and result in multiple
points on a motorist's car insurance, Parker said.

Additionally, sheriff's cruisers, bicycle officers and a horse-mounted
posse are patrolling the route.

In recent weeks, they've cited up to 100 people a day for trespassing
on
the route, though that number dropped substantially last week One man
was arrested on suspicion of drinking alcohol in public while riding a
bike along the route, and a local school track team was photographed
climbing over a fence to access the busway, authorities said.

As part of the busway, a new parallel bike path is being built across
the Valley. However, it, too, is not yet open for the public to use.

Sheriff's deputies ask residents to report any violators to (888)
950-SAFE (7233).