Chair Kummer thanked John Reinhardt for his comments and invited him to stay for the next item on the agenda dealing with safety issues. Mike gave the committee an overview of a System Safety Program Plan, which Metro Transit will develop for light rail operations. The purpose of a safety program is to minimize injury or damage. The plan will provide a road map for safety-related issues. Safety certification will be required for the entire system.
Certification includes design, construction and public safety programs.
Access and egress to and from station - generally stations are designed for people to stand. The platform should not be used as a pedestrian thoroughfare. A question was asked about the noise level if trains blow a whistle at crossings. Metro Transit is sensitive to residents who want peace and quiet, as well as safety. A state agency will be created to set policy for horn use throughout Minnesota's light rail system.