Sep 13 2008
Metrolink and Freight train collide
How in God’s name did this happen! I can understand trains derailing, but come on! This is what happens when someone is not doing their job. Over ten people dead, 100 injured and who knows what else. This accident could have been prevented had there been some proper traffic control, I personally would boycott any trains until some protocals are implemented. Yes there was a blind curve ahead but how can you not hear, communicate or be aware of your surroundings. This is a horrendous day for many people, lives are lost because of poor operations on the railroad department. Does our tax money not go to these institutions to make it a safer and better way of transportation? Here are these people whom are trying to save gas and being enviornmentally aware, not knowing that their commute from God knows where was going to be their last day on earth. As I am watching t.v. as we speak, I would like to shut that stupid L.A. mayer Villaragosa up, he knows nothing of tragedy and heartbreak, why should he even speak. My heart goes out to those people who have lost loved ones, and may the souls of the lost ones rest in peace.
My heart also goes out to the victims of this catastrophy. I also agree with your boycott.
It seems prudent to me that the entire Metrolink system should be shut down pending the conclusion of the NTSB’s investigation (remember the Angel’s Flight tragedy?).
It is idiotic to put the sole responsibility on one engineer. Individuals are subject to heart attacks, strokes, etc. Each one of us can, do, and will make mistakes in our lifetimes. I’m boycotting L.A. Metrolink until satisfactory safeguards are put in place, i.e.:
1. Two engineers and two conductors per train, redundantly watching the track signals and calling them out.
2. First car behind engine is left empty at all times as a shock aborber in the event of a collision.
3. Pomona warning system fixed so that dispatcher has adequate lead time to warn a train of an impending collision.
4. RAID “Positive Train Control” collision avoidance system made of the very best materials and design, for maximum redundancy and reliability, installed and working correctly.
5. Dual tracks and tunnels installed the full length of the commuter routes, progressing toward a fully elevated or subterrainian roadbed to eliminate all railrod crossings.
6. Running trains backward is outlawed.
When you connect the dots, it is easy to see that our tax money is being spent on earmarks such as the war in Iraq, and Halliburton, and other corruption. It’s time for the people to take back control of our tax dollars and earmark them to be spent on worthwhile public works projects here in the U.S.A.! Government is very capable at getting projects done, when it is in the hands of good honest people, e.g. The Golden Gate Bridge, and Hoover Dam.