Information and statistics can often be twisted to support whatever an agenda is. It is unfortuante that too many news providers have become reliant on controversy and bad news to support themselves. Truth and an honest assesment just does not sell as well in today's news market.

I agree that a true evaluation of Metrolink's record should not automatically consider every incident that a Metrolink train was involved in. Tresspassers, running crossings, suicides and other operator's trains running signals cannot be attributed as a Metrolink failure without further consideration.

What is a comparable accident rate for traveling Southern California's highways? I was down there for Thanksgiving and glad to get out of there for that reason alone.

It is worth considering the cause and effect that Metrolink as a public agency is put through by its constituents. Cab cars are accepted North American practice, reduce costs, offer operational flexibility, but do so at an increased risk. Horns provide a warning to those who might violate a train's right of way, yet offends those who bought a house near the tracks. Tables are convenient for those commuters needing a place to catch up on some paperwork, a snack or place to work on their computer; but can be an additional hazard.

Bottom line - a "successful" accident is one that no one gets hurt; the "best" accident is the one that never happens, the only acceptable accident rate and goal is zero - but **it happens (IMHO).