Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
JUNE 23, 2016
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO BOARD MOTION REGARDING METRO BLUE LINE STATION & SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE update for Item 30: Metro Blue Line (MBL) Motion by Mayor Garcetti, Supervisor Knabe, Director Dubois, and Director Dupont-Walker.
Issue
ISSUE
Provide update on all MBL safety, security, and State of Good Repair (SGR) capital projects and enhancement efforts for the following: (1) grade crossing gates, (2) pedestrian safety gates, (3) fare enforcement and security, (4) station maintenance, and (5) station fare gate installation.
MBL Infrastructure Improvement Projects
Beginning in 2010, Metro implemented infrastructure improvements and SGR activities along the MBL system from the north terminus in Los Angeles to the south terminus in the City of Long Beach. Capital improvement projects have and will continue to address safety and security, system improvements and state-of-good repair projects along the MBL alignment. Project funding was allocated to repair aging infrastructure, improve station functionality, passenger comfort and safety and security. Major acquisition and construction projects underway or recently completed include:
State of Good Repair
• Replacement of 20 power substations providing electrical power to trains, stations and all rail systems (Completed 2014)
• Rail replacement and rebooting
• Replacement of life-expired track turnout switches
• Installation of new track crossovers
• Replacement of train control systems
• Replacement and upgrading of Overhead Catenary System (OCS) in Downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach
• Replacement of 69 existing Light Rail Vehicles (LRV) with new P3010 Kinki-Sharyo vehicles
• Power control system back-up battery program
Enhancements
• Station refurbishment (Completed in 2015)
Safety/Security
• Reconstruction and replacement of the Transit Mall track switch at the Long Beach to address rail-to-wheel interface safety issues
• Pedestrian and grade crossing gates safety review at 27 grade crossings between Washington and Willow Stations
Additional current and planned projects are listed on Attachment B.
Project coordination efforts continue as Metro works with neighboring cities to examine impacts of the projects on the city infrastructure, residents and the feasibility of any other improvements. Metro also reviews the merits of each project in process and additional requested projects by weighing the impacts to rail customers, costs, partner cities, traffic and the residents living around the MBL.
Beginning in the early part of 2010 and concluding in 2014, Metro replaced the critical power substations providing electricity for trains, stations and all rail systems along the alignment. The project replaced the existing Control Power Company (CPC) substations installed during the original construction of the Blue Line in the late 1980s with new Siemens substations. Replacement of the 30 year old substations addressed issues of obsolescence of parts and equipment that were no longer available, safety issues of electrical short protection, prevention of arc flashover, and an upgrade of systems to meet new electrical and fire code regulations. There were 20 existing power substations along the alignment and the storage yard in Long Beach that were successfully replaced and commissioned during the life of the project.
Station refurbishment improvements included improved LED lights for enhanced visibility and security, and installation of new canopies in the station areas. Improvements also include repair and installation of new station platform flooring, public address system, station cameras, landscaping in and around the station, and installation of drought tolerant plant materials and water conserving irrigation systems.
SGR projects were implemented for the track structure along the entire alignment to ensure continuity of operation and required replacement of life-expired track structures. Included in these projects is the replacement of the track crossover turnout switches between Washington and Willow Stations and rail rebooting to address corrosion issues. Rail rebooting involves lifting of the running rails to install a rubber ‘boot’ to protect from corrosion and improve grounding of the structures. The rebooting project is underway to inspect, repair or replace track structures affected by corrosion in the street running areas of Long Beach and improve insulation of rail-to-ground to eliminate future corrosion. Construction of four new track crossovers along the mid-corridor segment of the line and replacement of the train control systems will improve operational capabilities and running time during incidents, accidents, and maintenance by shortening the distance between track crossovers.
The Long Beach Transit Mall track switch was replaced between September - October 2015 to address identified safety issues with the original design. Safety issues of rail-to-wheel interface were found at the Transit Mall track switch that contributed to abnormal track wear, and train wheels out of tolerance for rail-to-wheel interface when trains were routed to the south platform of the Downtown Long Beach Station.
Additional SGR projects include replacement and upgrading of the OCS in the street running segments of Downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach. Additional capital projects are also underway to improve and maintain the OCS in the segment between Washington and Willow Stations. Metro and the City of Long Beach will be implementing grade crossing improvements upgrading traffic signal operations to coordinate traffic signalization and management, particularly at the Wardlow Grade Crossing. Metro is also seeking to improve grade crossings by modifying operation in both normal and reverse direction of train travel to ensure optimal operation during reverse run operations along with improved monitoring of grade crossing issues with automated reporting to the Rail Operations Control Center. Please see Attachment B for details.
MBL Security
• The MBL has had 11 less Part 1 crimes between January - April 2016 compared to January - April 2015, which is a 10% decrease. See Attachment C for a graph displaying this data.
• The reduction of Part 1 crimes can be attributed to the continued efforts to improve safety and security on the MBL which include the following:
• Starting in November 2015, staff directed the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD) to focus more resources on the MBL. This “surge” emphasis is ongoing and in March 2016, total crime on the MBL decreased 10% in comparison to 2015.
• Starting in November 2015, staff established new fixed post assignments at 5th Street and Anaheim. Two Security Assistants have been assigned to 1) establish a security presence during peak (daytime) travel hours, 2) conduct fare enforcement operations and 3) periodically ride the MBL as it loops through Long Beach. Late evening Sheriff’s Deputy patrols have been in place as well.
• Starting in May 2016, staff added an additional 10 Sheriff’s personnel to the MBL specifically for late night operations. This is an overtime assignment and is focused on South L.A. and Long Beach Stations and runs through June 30, 2016. Staff will review available (overtime) funding in the upcoming F17 Budget to continue these operations.
• In August 2016, staff expects to award a contract for Private Security Guard Services which will provide late evening security presence by roving throughout Long Beach Stations.
• In October 2015, staff introduced a fully outfitted Security Kiosk at the Willow St. Station off the MBL. This kiosk is staffed with Private Security officers during daytime and evening peak hours.
• Staff has met with the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) to thank them for their continued assistance patrolling the MBL. In 2015, LBPD accounted for more than 40% of the total fare enforcement for the MBL.
• Metro staff has invited Long Beach Police Department Quality of Life Team to participate in Metro’s Homeless Task Force aimed at addressing the adverse effect homelessness has on the Metro Transit System.
MBL Fare Enforcement
Metro Security and LASD have increased MBL law enforcement presence and fare enforcement through a combination of station and onboard inspections. These efforts are part of the points listed above.
During the period between January - April 2016, approximately 7% of total MBL ridership was inspected. LBPD accounted for more than 40% of the total enforcement. Fare assessments at five Blue Line stations (Willow St, Willowbrook/Rosa Parks, 7th St/Metro Center, Vernon & Del Amo) have indicated an average 15% fare evasion rate with Del Amo, Vernon and Willowbrook/Rosa Parks indicating the highest fare evasion, respectively. Fare enforcement efforts have resulted in approximately 150,000 inspections, yielding 1,000 transit court tickets and 200 non-transit court tickets per month.
100% Fare Enforcement Data
Fare assessments are 100% fare check operations on de-boardings for a specified period of time. Metro Transit Court staff administered this on-going fare enforcement and assessment method with the close cooperation of LASD. Attachment C identifies fare assessments conducted on the MBL from June 2015 to the present. Based on the monthly targets, the average saturation rate is 7%. The goal of these efforts is to reduce fare evasion and encourage proper fare compliance.
The combined efforts of security presence and fare inspections have led to a 10% decrease in Part 1 crime in the period January-April 2016 compared to January-April 2015.
MBL Pedestrian Safety Gates
The Pedestrian Safety Gate project is a multiyear initiative which includes installation of pedestrian and emergency exit/swing gates at 27 at-grade rail crossing intersections to minimize the potential of train/pedestrian accidents as well as to enhance public safety awareness and improve on-time train operations. The design is customized for each location that includes installation of a California Public Utility (CPUC) standard pedestrian gate, emergency exit/swing gate, associated safety railing and fencing, and street/curb ramp improvements for ADA compliance. The entire work along the MBL alignment falls within several jurisdictions including the City and County of Los Angeles, City of Compton and City of Long Beach. Project improvements include:
• Installation of pedestrian oriented crossing arms, bells and flashing lights that are activated along with the grade crossing warning systems
• Installation of barriers to improve pedestrian safety by creating queuing zones separated from the track areas and also to reduce jaywalking
• Installation of swing gates adjacent to crossing arms to prevent pedestrians from running across tracks, but allow for exiting the track area without becoming trapped
• Upgraded signage for compliance
Metro awarded the construction contract to Icon West Inc. (IWI) who was evaluated to be the lowest responsible bidder and a Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued on October 12, 2015. Metro also concluded negotiations with Union Pacific (UP) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was executed on January 19, 2016 stipulating that UP is responsible for all construction work required on their side of the crossing locations and will be compensated by Metro for their work. Construction work is currently underway in Long Beach and is progressing north towards Los Angeles. Activities are progressing well and in accordance with the project baseline schedule. Underground work and foundation work at 16 of the 27 locations has been completed, which involves construction of trenches and installation of utility conduits necessary to support the project. Pedestrian gate foundations have also been completed along with work on the sidewalks at 2 grade crossing locations in the City of Long Beach, and will be followed by similar work in the City of Compton in June 2016. Work in the City of LA will commence once LADOT completes review and approval of the final design plans for crossings within their jurisdiction. Work at the 23 UP railroad crossings will be completed by UP between April - September 2016.
MBL Grade Crossing Gates
Grade crossing safety enhancements and improvements continue to be reviewed by Rail Operations, Safety, Construction, and the cities along the alignment. Improvements at grade crossings are reviewed for implementation as new technology is developed to improve safety at the critical juncture of vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle and train movement. Grade crossing safety improvements for vehicular traffic are also reviewed to reduce incidents between vehicular traffic and trains. Some of the improvements and safety enhancements that have been reviewed for capital funding include:
• Quad gates adding additional crossing arms, bells and flashing lights to all four quadrants of a railroad crossing preventing motorists from driving around gates in opposing lanes
• Embedded sensors within the track area to alert train operators of vehicle or debris obstructions
• Raised curbs and median barriers to improve vehicle queuing area
• Review of vehicle and grade crossing signage for increased safety and regulatory compliance
MBL Station Maintenance
Rail station maintenance services all stations twice a day/seven days a week and daily activities include, but are not limited to, removing trash from trash receptacles, platforms, stairs and mezzanine levels, along with cleaning spills as they occur. Two to three times per week, each station is pressure washed. Each station is also fully inspected monthly specifically for ADA, public address system, lighting, map cases, platform condition, monitors, cameras, and any other potential safety hazards. All findings are assigned to the appropriate staff for repair or replacement.
All Metro Blue Line Station structures were prepped and painted from June 2013 - July 2014 in an effort to continuously improve the MBL appearance. Metro’s graffiti and landscape contractor staff performs various maintenance activities at Metro Blue Line stations and along the right-of-way including: daily removal of graffiti, bi-weekly landscaping maintenance, and glass film and stainless steel surfaces are inspected every six weeks and replaced if etched or damaged. Quarterly herbicide application activities and tree trimming activities also take place at the MBL. Broken glass on elevators or map cases is replaced as needed. Pest control, bird control and fencing services take place monthly, or as needed at MBL stations. All Metro elevators and escalators at the MBL are maintained by a contractor with oversight from Facilities Maintenance staff. Their maintenance programs include weekly, monthly, semi-annual and annual maintenance with immediate response to each report of an operation issue.
MBL Station Fare Gate Installation
Preliminary analysis was conducted by staff for all MBL Stations starting in 2014. This includes Wardlow, Transit Mall, Pacific, 1st, and 5th St. Stations. This analysis found that there may not be sufficient space necessary for the installation of gates. Wardlow Station for example, may require converting the south entrance to an emergency exit and Wardlow’s North entrance may require the use of adjacent park-n-ride spaces to accommodate the necessary number of fare gates. The TAP Vending Machines (TVMs) would also have to be relocated off the station platform, requiring trenching for power and communications lines. Downtown Long Beach stations: Transit Mall, Pacific, 1st, and 5th St. Stations are located in the center of the street and may require lane encroachments to widen the ramps in order to accommodate fare gates. Further, TVMs may have to be relocated off the platform and installed in areas now used by traffic lanes or on street sidewalks. This may involve widening of sidewalks to accommodate wheel chair patrons, trenching, installation of proper lighting, CCTV cameras for security, canopies, and map cases.
Background
BACKGROUND
Since FY2007, Metro has spent more than $126 million addressing deferred maintenance items including reconstruction of grade crossings and replacement of all traction power substations, as well as refurbishment to key overhead power system components and some rail vehicle sub-systems. An additional $217 million is planned for expenditure through FY2019. Elements being addressed in the deferred maintenance program include station refurbishment, maintenance shop ventilation upgrade and water mitigation, yard signal system rehabilitation, main line signal system replacement, rail replacement and study current prevention, turnout track replacement, continued P865 vehicle systems component overhauls, Siemens P2000 vehicle mid-life overhauls, upgrades and other vehicle enhancements, and communication and signal building rehabilitation.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The primary safety consideration for installation of any fare gating system, or components, is to ensure passengers can evacuate safely from the station in a timely manner during an emergency. Requirements for this are stipulated in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 130) standards. These standards include maintaining the ability for customers to be evacuated from the station platform within 4 minutes, maintaining the walking time from the furthest point on the platform from an exit to a safe area within 6 minutes, and maintaining that at least 50% of the required exit capacity be provided by emergency exits and emergency swing gates. MBL station and security enhancement projects will have a positive impact on safety as these projects and initiatives will improve system reliability, reduce the level of deferred maintenance, and help address environmental and quality-of-life needs along the MBL for our customers.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Safety and security continue to be a top Metro priority in the development of all rail projects across Los Angeles County. Metro staff will continue to conduct and advocate for a range of projects and campaigns along all our existing Metro rail lines, including the MBL to improve safety and security measures, along with SGR projects. For the gating efforts, staff will work with a consultant to perform a detailed engineering analysis that consists of equipment quantities analysis, queuing analysis and exit calculations of Wardlow, Transit Mall, Pacific, 1st and 5th street MBL stations. Additionally, future fiscal year budgets will include specific requests for operating and capital funding that will reduce the level of deferred maintenance and improve system reliability for the MBL and other rail lines.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Item 30: Motion Regarding Blue Line Safety Station & Security
Enhancements
Attachment B - List of MBL Current and Planned Projects
Attachment C - MBL Fare Enforcement & Security Data
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Hector A. Guerrero, DEO, Rail Operations, (213) 617-6230
Samuel Mayman, EO, Engineering Management, (213) 922-7289
Nareh Nazary, Transportation Planner I, Executive Office
Transit Operations, (213) 922-4163
Approved_by
Approved by: James T. Gallagher, COO, Executive Office, Transit
Operations, (213) 922-4424
Richard Clarke, Executive Director, Program Management,
(213) 922-7557
Nalini Ahujai, Executive Director, Finance and Budget, (213)
922-3088
Alex Wiggins, Executive Officer, System Security and Law Enforcement, (213) 922-7447
