METRO OFFERS TOP 10 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS
With opening dates scheduled for 2014, METRORail expansion is rapidly becoming a reality. Construction on those three new light-rail lines makes it more important than ever for Houstonians to heed 10 basic, but important, safety tips especially when close to schools:
1. Stay alert and aware.
2. Be cautious around roadway construction zones.
PEDESTRIANS: always look for and use a marked pedestrian walkway.
DRIVERS: new left-turn traffic signals are in place at some intersections
For additional information and line maps, visit http://www.gometrorail.org/go/doc/2491/1333831/
3. Always stay on designated walk areas or sidewalks, even if the trip takes a little longer.
4. Pay attention to all roadway signs.
5. Cross streets only at designated, marked areas.
6. Cross with an adult or school crossing guard.
7. Look for home-to-school routes that minimize streets crossed, and avoid busy, high-speed or multi-lane roads.
8. Do not text or talk on cell phones while walking.
9. Cyclists should always wear helmets.
10. Car passengers should buckle-up and use age, weight, and height-appropriate seats/boosters.
For METRO construction and traffic updates, visit http://www.gometrorail.org/go/doc/2491/1324751/. Sign up for METRORail construction and general update emails by visiting http://www.gometrorail.org/go/doc/2491/1306243/
About METRO Houston’s light rail service began with the 7.5-mile Main Street Line (Red Line). The line opened in 2004 and runs down Main St. from UH-Downtown through the Texas Medical Center to South Fannin. With 16 stations and 37,000 passengers per day*, it is one of the most successful and heavily traveled rail lines in the nation. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. METRO’s services also include: Star Vanpool, METROLift, HOV lanes, HOT lanes, Bikes-on-Buses/Trains program, Park & Ride and road improvement projects. More information can be found on ridemetro.org.
*Based on boardings per-track mile.