Supervisor Molina did so(in Spanish: Línea de Oro) East Los Angeles during remarks preceding a Safety Fair held at the East Los Angeles Civic Center.

The line will open mid-summer 2009.

The light rail Eastside extension, which will feature eight stations (two underground), will run from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles via the Little Tokyo/Arts District and Boyle Heights to Atlantic/Pomona Boulevard in East Los Angeles.

Metro has been intensifying its Safety 1ST campaign, “Look, Listen & Stay Alive,” to keep motorists and pedestrians safe when they ride the Metro Rail system or drive around the alignment along Alameda, First, Indiana, and Third streets.

“We have worked hard to bring the Gold Line ---"Línea de Oro"--- to East Los Angeles. We look forward to its opening, and keeping safety a priority. Our safety campaign teaches kids and parents to be highly alert at all times, and pay strict attention when walking, biking or driving near the train crossings. Let us constantly remind our children to always look both ways, listen before crossing the train tracks, and never jaywalk,” said Supervisor Gloria Molina.

Metro began in March and April safety awareness sessions for Eastside residents in five public libraries around the Metro Gold Line alignment in Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. Three main hospitals and religious and community centers also were visited by Metro Community Relations staff.

“Metro wants the public to have a safe experience with light rail,” said Metro CEO Art Leahy. “A train with cars that weigh more than 100,000 pounds can’t stop on a dime so motorists and pedestrians must pay attention. Watch for trains, observe the warning lights and signage and don’t play on the tracks or station platforms, and, most importantly, don’t run after or next to the train.”

Metro staff has already visited 60 schools from Kindergarten to 12th grade around the service area and delivered approximately 85,000 flyers door to door in local neighborhoods with information on how to take personal responsibility and be aware of individual safety when riding Metro’s 2,500 buses and 73 miles of Metro Rail throughout Los Angeles county.

Metro began construction of the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension in July 2004. The light rail construction project is within budget, on time and construction has gone nearly 4 million working hours without a day lost for any accident or injuries.

Metro also has deployed 12 rail safety ambassadors at seven Eastside intersections along the alignment to help motorists become familiar with the new light rail train traffic and to educate pedestrians on how to be safe around trains. The safety ambassadors will keep spreading the word during the testing period, the grand opening this summer and for three months after that.

Residents or organizations can request information on how to get safety training by contacting Metro Community Relations, Transit Education Program at (213) 922-4050 or e-mail pattersond@metro.net.

Metro also has distributed a map with the adjustments to new traffic patterns on or around Alameda, First, Indiana, and Third streets where Eastside residents, motorists and pedestrians will experience some changes to the traffic configuration in these areas. The map indicates where crossing from south to north or vice versa can be done, left turns, and where parking will be allowed. For a copy of the area map, visit www.metro.net/eastside or contact Community Relations at (213) 922-2259.