Light rail crash in Austin leaves 1 dead, 2 hurt

So sad. 120 people on the train, not even at half capacity for rush hour then. What a drain train for the taxpayers.

Austinite wrote:

So sad. 120 people on the train, not even at half capacity for rush hour then. What a drain train for the taxpayers.

Even sadder is the fact that Cap Metro knew about the inherent safety problems at these crossings during the design and construction of the commuter rail system. They actually chose not to enhance any aspect of safety at these crossings. Included in the deliberations were not only crossing arms (which were installed at the two private crossings at the Robinson Ranch quarries aka Austin White Lime)but they also chose not to include any hard material between the rails and adjacent within the rail right-of-way, instead of loose gravel. This is negligent as the work on the rail system is on Metro property and they knew the risk of death to the public at these crossings. Leaning on the slim excuse that the FRA did not require them to do more is shameful. The FRA also did not require them to only use loose gravel instead of making the grade crossing safer with a more stable construction within the rail right-of-way.

Poor planning by Cap Metro and city fathers led to the death of this young father. Shame.

its amazing what prayer will do

CAP Metro could have spent a few dollars making the crossing a little safer but I guess since the taxpayers were already on the hook for a hundre million plus they skimped somewhere.
Rather ironic since I recall the Silly Klowncil claiming this whole thing would not cost Austin taxpayers a dime yet it has from the very beginning been a drain for tax dollars.