Metro News Release

For immediate release: November 9, 2007

Metro participates in regional safety initiative

Metro joined local government and transportation officials and regional providers earlier this week in a united effort to make the region’s roadways safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

The regional Street Smart campaign emphasizes the need for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to remain aware of each other and practice safe behaviors to keep safe on the roads. Increased awareness is particularly important at this time year when it gets darker earlier and more evening commutes take place in the dark.

“Pedestrian safety has to be a collaborative effort. We need to have safe bus operators and other drivers on the road, but we also need safe pedestrians and people on the street who are aware of what’s going on around them,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe.

In the last five years, Metro has placed a more aggressive emphasis on pedestrian safety and stepped up training for bus operators to remind them about safe driving habits and the requirement to wait and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. This year, Metro started a new “Street Smart” pedestrian safety course required of all bus operators. The one-day course for bus operators helps operators see from the perspective of a pedestrian or bicyclist.

“We are constantly looking for new technologies and operating procedures that will better protect pedestrians, bus riders, operators and fellow travelers. And we will continue to work cooperatively with our regional partners to ensure that the Metro transit system is the safest and best ride in the nation,” Catoe said.

News release issued at 12:00 am, November 9, 2007.