Burbank officials concerned about rail safety

Burbank officials are expressing concerns about rail safety now that new Metrolink express train service to Union Station in Los Angeles has begun.

They are concerned that the varied schedules could pose more danger to commuters who have a bad habit of crossing tracks against warning lights.

At the downtown Burbank Metrolink station, already one of the busiest stations in the system, commuters rush across the two tracks when a train is idle, mostly behind a northbound train.

The assumption is the train will not suddenly or accidentally reverse.

Burbank Transportation Commission Chairman Paul Dyson acknowledged the habit is not new, but with the introduction of the express service and the accompanying schedule changes, safety was a serious concern.

Read more about the how the new Metrolink express service will affect the Burbank station.

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-- Maria Hsin, Burbank Leader / Times Community News

Photo: Riders wait for their train Monday at the Metrolink station in Burbank. Credit: Burbank Leader