To:

Project File

From:

Robert Forrest

Date:

March 26, 2010

Re:

CENTRAL MESA EXTENSION SAFETY AND SECURITY TECHNICAL
MEMO

1.0

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this technical memo is to describe the measures to be taken to enhance
the safety and security of LRT system users as well as residents and businesses
adjacent to the planned project. Many of these features were first implemented when
operations of the LRT Starter Line began and would continue to be employed for the
planned Central Mesa LRT extension.

2.0

SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES

The design criteria for METRO LRT projects require the stations to be designed in
accordance with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines.
For the LRT Starter Line, the stations and park-and-ride lots are designed with
adequate lighting and clear visibility of the station area from the street and sidewalk.
Closed circuit television (CCTV) would be provided at the station platforms, ticket
vending machines, and park-and-ride facilities. In addition, both the stations and
parking facilities would have emergency call boxes that would be connected to METRO
Operations Control Center (OCC) which have direct communication with the City of
Mesa Police and Fire Departments. At this stage of design, it is anticipated that the
Central Mesa LRT Extension stations and parking facilities would be similarly equipped.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also requires all such facilities to install
DHS-compliant trash cans for either resistance to explosives or use of an open metal
frame and clear bag.
The light rail vehicles (LRVs) include passenger emergency reporting devices that allow
passengers to communicate with the train operator. The LRV interior and exterior are
also equipped with CCTV. The train operator can report problems directly to OCC.
LRVs include both bells and flashing headlights to provide both audible and visible
warnings as needed to alert drivers and pedestrians of an approaching train. In
addition, LRVs are designed with energy-absorbing bumpers to lessen potential impacts
in the event of an auto/LRV collision and have low-ground clearance which will reduce
the likelihood of a pedestrian sliding underneath the train in the event of a collision.

Measures would be taken to discourage pedestrians from illegally crossing the tracks
and to enhance safety at permitted crossing locations. Pedestrian signals and wellmarked crosswalks, where existing crossings do not occur, would be provided at
crossing locations and the station platforms would be marked with “Do Not Cross
Tracks”. Additional measures may be taken at some locations if warranted.
Security personnel would patrol the stations, trains, and park-and-ride lots. Security
services for the Central Mesa LRT Extension would be provided through a contract
between METRO and a private security services firm similar to the contract METRO has
for the East Valley. Fare inspections would be conducted by security personnel. The
train operators and security personnel would be trained to spot potentially suspicious
activities and to take appropriate action. The City of Mesa Police Department would
respond to criminal incidents, auto or pedestrian accidents with LRVs, etc., and the
City’s Fire Department would respond to fire and rescue emergencies.
METRO, has established a set of comprehensive security activities emphasizing the
importance of security in all aspects of the LRT Starter Line system. These activities
are documented in the System Security Program Plan, one of four documents
addressing METRO’s safety and security program.
The other three documents are:
•

System Safety Program Plan (Rev. 6, July 2009) – To establish requirements for
identification, evaluation, minimization of safety risks throughout all phases of the
METRO Project, and comply with Federal Transit Authority (FTA) 49 CFR, Part 659
and Arizona Department of Transportation guidelines

•

Emergency Management Plan (Rev. 4, July 2009), and

•

Accident/Incident Investigation Plan (Rev. 3, July 2009).

These four plans address public safety and security concerns, including, but not limited
to the following:
•

Threats and hazards associated with the LRT Starter Line project

•

Design and architectural details to enhance safety

•

Use of closed-circuit television cameras and lighting as specific design measures

•

Security patrols of transit property and vehicles, ongoing train safety awareness
education

These plans would be updated as the Central Mesa LRT Project advances.