Ad appeared on bottom half of back page of first section.

See new blog/website www.inbspired.com.

Here's a sample from his posting.

POSTS


Backyard Bridge to Trouble
POSTED ON APRIL 28, 2017

Concerned Citizens for Rail Safety (CCRS) has a main objective of helping to facilitate the safe introduction of the SMART commuter train service in Marin and Sonoma counties. The chair of CCRS is Fred Fielding. CCRS is independent and not affiliated in any way with the SMART organization or any related government agency. Comments and concerns may be posted on this website, at 510-521-3449, or sent to 1160 Simmons Lane, Novato.

This website is dedicated to illuminating safety concerns and vulnerabilities within the SMART system.

***** Additional post *****

While passengers may be safe on the new SMART trains, the public is at risk. Road crossings only provide partial protection to pedestrians. Protective fencing around crossings is inadequate and already in disrepair. Lengthy stretches of open rail pass through residential areas with no fences or barriers to prevent pets and children from wandering on to the tracks. Pedestrian crossings on routes frequented by students are attractive invitations to disaster.

As other commuter operations in the State have discovered, preventing pedestrian access to commuter tracks is necessary to reduce injuries and death on the rails. Caltrain reports an average of 12 deaths per year since 1992 on a 77-mile corridor of tracks (SJMN 8/12/16). SMART trains will be running initially on a 43 mile corridor from Sonoma to San Rafael. Without substantial safety improvements, rates of death and injury on the SMART rails are likely to be much higher.

Trains have always been a fascination for young children; maybe to see how flat a penny can be smooshed, or today, taking a selfie next to a speeding train. Accidents will happen among the young no matter how many warnings they are given to stay “alert”. Ever tried to get the attention of teenagers with their earbuds in? Very difficult.

Bottom line, are we willing to accept an injury or fatality to a child when it could have been prevented? Should we be looking to SMART to provide appropriate fencing and barriers throughout the system to assure maximum safety on their new rail system?