Officials Evaluating Fiber Optic Sign

Since the Metro Blue Line train began service in Los Angeles in 1990, 54 people have died in train accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, therefore, is evaluating the effectiveness of a fiber optic sign that it installed at the Vernon Street crossing to warn pedestrians that more than one train is approaching, which happens 20 to 25 times each day at that location.

Members of the community expressed a preference for the 3 x 4-foot sign over one with graphics or text. The transportation authority will conduct a second survey to assess public awareness and understanding of the sign and will evaluate compliance using video recordings of the crossing.