Tag Archives: Metrolink

Man’s Bomb Comments Halt Train At Burbank Station

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With tensions running high after Monday’s terrorist bombing at the Boston Marathon, local law enforcement responded in full force Tuesday when a passenger on a Metrolink train made a possible bomb threat.

Sheriff's K-9 Units checked cars in the parking lot of the Burbank Train Station. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Sheriff’s K-9 Units checked cars in the parking lot of the Burbank Train Station. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

According to police, a female witness noticed a man walking around the Burbank Train Station speaking in a rambling manner.  When the man boarded the train he made a comment about the bombing in Boston, and that he had a bomb.  She then notified the train conductor, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department was notified.  The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for security on Metrolink trains.

The train was halted at the Burbank Station at 12:28 p.m.   Officers from the Burbank Police Department were first on the scene, and evacuated the passengers from the train.  They were escorted to a safer area away from  the train. The suspect initially refused to leave the train.  He finally got off the at about 1 p.m., and was detained by officers.

Twelve Burbank officers responded to the incident, along with the patrol captain, watch commander, two sergeants, and detectives.   A command post was set up uner the Olive Ave. overpass, on the west side of the train tracks, near Flower St.  The Burbank Fire Department also responded to the train station.

Parking Control Officers and a supervisor were also utilized to block access to the area.  Front St. was closed from Burbank Blvd. to Verdugo Ave.  Olive Ave. was closed from First St. to Lake St., and the overpass was closed to pedestrians.  Flower St. was closed to northbound traffic at Verdugo Ave.  The California Highway Patrol closed the Verdugo offramp from the southbound Golden State Freeway.  All streets in the area were opened to traffic shortly before 2 p.m.

The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, along with bomb-sniffing dogs rushed to the station from Sylmar.  The three double-deck passenger cars were searched and no bomb or other suspicious packages were found.  Because the suspect was seen in the parking lot of the Burbank Train Station, the parking lot and train platform were also searched.

Unidentified man who is suspected of making threats on a MetroLink is taken into custody. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Unidentified man who is suspected of making threats on a MetroLink train is taken into custody. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

 

The unidentified suspect was taken into custody the Sheriff’s Deputies on an unrelated warrant.  It has yet to be determined if he will be charged with a crime regarding his comments on the train.

According to Metrolink Public Information Officer Scott Johnson, 45 passengers were on the train when it stopped at the Burbank Station.  When the incident finally came to an end, 20 passengers got back on the train to continue their trip to Glendale and Los Angeles Union Station.

 

Schiff Urges Funding to Upgrade Locomotive Fleet

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Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) wrote to the Chairman of the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) board and the Chairman of the AQMD Technology Committee requesting the strongest funding possible to acquire Tier 4 locomotives.  With the Southern California Regional Railroad Authority (Metrolink) serving over 40,000 commuters each day, over 24,000 cars are removed from Southern California’s roads and highways relieving traffic congestion.

However, Metrolink’s aging locomotive fleet hinders its efficiency and creates an environmental concern. With thirty Tier 0 locomotives (which have been in service since 1992), Metrolink’s fleet is plagued with engine and technical difficulties that often slow and interrupt service. These Tier 0 locomotives also emit higher levels of pollution than the industry standard Tier 4.

After sending the letter, Schiff stated, “Having an efficient, environmentally sound locomotive fleet is an issue that touches not just Metrolink commuters, but everyone in our communities. By the Air Quality Management District allocating Carl Moyer funds to Metrolink, the long term investments to improve air quality and meet the demands of commuters across the region can finally be made. I urge the support from the board and the Technology Committee.”

In the letter, Schiff detailed the current efforts by Metrolink and urged the AQMD’s Chairman to contribute towards the upgrades saying, “Metrolink is working to upgrade its locomotive fleet by acquiring Tier 4 locomotives that are cleaner and are more reliable. The new locomotives use diesel engines that emit 80 percent fewer harmful emissions and can increase Metrolink’s capacity through the higher horsepower necessary to add more train cars to a set. AQMD’s contribution to this effort would help meet the region’s shared goal of improved air quality and would be a significant down payment on the more than $100 million needed to upgrade Metrolink’s fleet as the agency works to secure other funding sources to undertake a full upgrade of its fleet.”

The full letter to Chairman William Burke is below:

 

Dear Chairman Burke,

As you may know, the Southern California Regional Railroad Authority (Metrolink) is applying for Carl Moyer funds for upgrades to its locomotive fleet. I support this request and strongly urge the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Board to award the strongest funding possible for Metrolink.

Metrolink provides commuter service to over 40,000 people each day throughout Southern California, helping to remove over 24,000 cars daily from the road. Metrolink plays a critical role in helping reduce the region’s traffic congestion and helps alleviate the need to construct more freeways. 

Despite the important contributions Metrolink makes to moving commuters, it is hindered in its impact by its antiquated and aging locomotive fleet. Metrolink currently has 30 Tier 0 locomotives, which have been in service since 1992. The fleet consistently experiences engine and other technical failures that slow and interrupt commuter service. These trains also emit higher levels of pollution than the current industry standard, Tier 4 locomotives.

Metrolink is working to upgrade its locomotive fleet by acquiring Tier 4 locomotives that are cleaner and are more reliable. The new locomotives use diesel engines that emit 80 percent fewer harmful emissions and can increase Metrolink’s capacity through the higher horsepower necessary to add more train cars to a set. AQMD’s contribution to this effort would help meet the region’s shared goal of improved air quality and would be a significant down payment on the more than $100 million needed to upgrade Metrolink’s fleet as the agency works to secure other funding sources to undertake a full upgrade of its fleet. 

I urge your support for Metrolink’s application for Carl Moyer funds for locomotive upgrades. This long term investment is critical for improving air quality and meeting the demands of commuters across the region.

Metrolink Eliminates 10-trip Tickets, Propose System-Wide Fare Increases

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Effective Tuesday, May 15, 2012 Metrolink will no longer sell 10-trip tickets. Existing 10-trip Metrolink tickets will be honored until June 28, 2012 at which point they will expire. Additionally, the City of Burbank is working on an agreement with Amtrak for Amtrak’s 10-trip tickets that currently valid on Metrolink trains and will provide additional information on that once that agreement is final.

Metrolink has been alerting passengers for several weeks via conductor announcements, notices on trains and at stations, and through social media so that passengers can make a smooth transition to other ticket options. Alternate ticket options include Monthly Passes, 7-Day Passes and One-Way and Round-Trip tickets. For more information on Metrolink ticket types and fares, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.

On April 27, the Metrolink Board of Directors directed staff to initiate a public outreach process for a potential system-wide fare increase to help close an existing $13 million funding gap for Fiscal Year 12-13 budget and Metrolink’s proposed Title VI Service Delivery Policy. The public will be asked to give feedback regarding an average system-wide fare increase between 5 and 9 percent to go into effect on or after July 1, 2012.

For more information or to comment on these proposed changes, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.

Press Release

Public Workshops

Send Public Hearing E-Comments to Metrolink (these will not go to City of Burbank).

Burbank Metrolink Station Automobile Break In Advisory

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Burbank Police have notified the community at least 8 forced entries into automobiles parked at the Burbank Metro Station occurred during the period 3~6 February.

Thieves smashed windows while looking for valuables within the vehicles, however no major thefts were reported.

According to Sgt Darin Ryburn, Media Relations Officer at the Burbank Police Department, all break-ins were committed during late evening, early morning hours.

Sgt Ryburn advises those who park at Metrolink should place anything of value inside their trunk prior to leaving their vehicle, as well as keep aware of their surroundings.  In addition, Burbank Police are working with the LA Sheriff’s Department in coordinated patrol efforts.

If anybody observes suspicious persons or activity in the area immediately call the police at 911.