pages: TransportationCommission/2007-10-24.pdf, 7
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TransportationCommission | 2007-10-24 | 7 | In response to an inquiry by Chair Knox White whether interlining was considered at the bus stops, Sean Diest Lorgion, AC Transit, replied that they had discussed it at MLK and 12th Street in Oakland, where line 12 runs. They did not do much interlining at Fruitvale BART because there were so many bridge lines and the congestion on the bridge. They would be able to examine that possibility. He noted that interlining did play a significant role in how the service is run, as it enables AC Transit to more effectively use its drivers. Open public comment. Liz Cleves, speaking on behalf of Diane Voss, read her statement into the record: "At the Transportation Commission meeting on May 24, 2006, the Alameda Police Department raised concerns about the safety of the mid-block bus stop in front of the crosswalk at Lum School and Otis Drive at Sand Creek Way. Crossing guards, residents and parents have repeatedly expressed their concerns regarding the safety of the crosswalk. In spite of all the efforts the City has made to make that crosswalk safe, it still poses safety concerns. Since the May 2006 meeting, the Police Department has changed their view, and according to the staff's current report, the Alameda Police Department is comfortable with the location of the bus stop at the Otis and Sand Creek intersection. Comfortable. Are they comfortable with the vehicles exiting the drop-off area, and stopping on top of the crosswalk, and sometimes in the crosswalk? Are they comfortable with the number of vehicles that do not stop behind the Yield to Pedestrian arrows? Are they comfortable with the fact that when the bus is stopped in front of the crosswalk, oncoming vehicles cannot see the pedestrians, and therefore will not stop behind the arrows? Are they comfortable with the fact that the crossing guards will not be there all day, every day? Who will give further protection to children on weekends, holidays, school closure days, and during summer vacation? Please keep in mind that the crossing guards are there only during the weekdays for two hours in the morning, and three hours in the afternoon. A great deal of time has been spent talking, designing surveys, posting signs, soliciting opinions, writing reports, etc. How much time has been spent watching the crosswalk as children arrive, and when they leave school? How much time has been spent watching the crosswalk when no crossing guards are present? The added drive-through drop-off area has added new safety concerns. The flashing lights in the pavements cannot be seen on bright, sunny days, and a bus blocking the driver's view of pedestrians will add an even greater safety hazard. Many children are not going to wait for the bus to leave the area before they dart out in front of the bus to cross the street. There is probably nothing that can make this crosswalk 100% safe, but there are things that can make it less safe. A bus stop in front of the school crosswalk is one of those things. If you check with the Alameda Police Department, you will find that they've been citing many drivers lately for failure to yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk. They are mostly present during the morning and afternoon times. They can be there issuing tickets all day long. City Councilmember Doug DeHaan, even after the installation of all the safety devices, remarked that he finds this crosswalk dangerous and is reluctant to use it with his family. A bus stop first installed on Otis and Sand Transportation Commission Page 7 of 19 | TransportationCommission/2007-10-24.pdf |