Los Angeles Metrolink

[1madman]

I was told today by our Conductor, that Metrolink had come out with new rules, including not allowing Segways on the train. He then showed me the Metrolink booklet that included the things that are not allowed, including Segways.

I am going to call and ask the reasoning behind this decision (I've been taking my Seg on the train since I got it a year ago...).

I'm dissapointed, and more than a litte pissed-off, quite franlky.

For an agency that promotes public transportation, especially in car-loving Los Angeles that bans transport of a device that celebrates alternative transportation, that could drive ridership, so folks can have the "last mile" experience on their Segs---short-signtedness and backward thinking seems to have won out again.

Any suggestions as to how I might make a meaningful appeal to these folks?

I'll let you know their reasoning once I get it...(assuming I can get a human on the phone...)

-M

"You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world...but it requires people to make the dream a reality"

-Walt Disney

[fredkap]

Mark,

I faxed Rachel the Department of Transportation's Disability Law Guidance regarding Segways. Perhaps when they recognize that they cannot ban them for their disabled passengers, they will relent for the able-bodied.

Fred

[1madman]

I did get a human, and she was very nice.

The reason is a safety one, according to Metrolink. They stated that there is no way to secure a Segway in the train, and in the event of an "incident" it would become a projectile.

I use the train-attached velcro straps for bicycles when my Seg is there alone, or a combination of the train-attached velcro straps and a bungee cord, when I am sharing with a bicycle.

I certainly understand safety. I'd be willing, at my own expense, to buy whatever would satisfy their binding requirements, if they would let the engineering department come up with Seg-specific instructions on how to secure them.

A little effort on Metrolink's part, would, I believe, make this go away. I believe that Seg owners are responsible and are as concerned about the safety of their machine as they are about the safety of themselves and the other passengers!

-M

"You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world...but it requires people to make the dream a reality"

-Walt Disney

[1madman]

Thanks Fred--

I appreciate the support and action.

I believe your fax will help, because it may point out that they will need to come up with a plan for our Seg folks that use their machines for a disability.

-M

"You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world...but it requires people to make the dream a reality"

-Walt Disney

[wwhopper]

Interesting that they allow bikes, and no doubt other items like luggage and backpacks and strollers, that could also become a projectile, just not Segways.



Will W Hopper
DCSEG Member
SEG America
The Premier Gliding Organization!
http://www.SEGAmerica.org
Washington DC - The Most Segway Friendly City in America!

[Sal]

One of the main objections, apart from safety, that the Health and Safety Dept. stated was an issue when deciding whether to allow me to merely TAKE my Segway into my workplace (let along glide in, which have NEVER done), was a matter of size, they said that it was too large and would occupy too much space in the event of an emergency and people needed to get by.

Easy enough: I took one of their officers to my area, the Segway took up no more room than my coworker's pull-along computer/file bag. The issue was laid to rest.

I bring this up to piggyback what Will stated in his comment above, where everyday objects can become projectiles as well as Segways, Qs, Bikes, anything, but only certain items are immediately thought of as a safety issue.

I have a feeling that like my H & S dept. the Metrolink folks hadn't thought the issue through before making a decision.

-Sal

___________
I considered atheism, but there were too few holidays

Segway Chat Member since July 2003
Segway Owner since August 2003

[cmonkey]

Lame! Last time I was on a train.... wasn't the bike area a bit walled in? i.e. if you secure something to an outside wall and there was an 'incident' and if the seg did come loose... and fly forward... it'd hit a bulkhead?

And what about the trains being pushed vs pulled?.... same thing, your seg is in the end facing forward!?!?

I'd most surely be afraid of an 'incident' then! I'd really hate for one of those 'unsecured' passengers becoming a projectile and damaging my seg!

Nowhere on their website does it say anything about not allowing segways. I'd be inclined to keep riding till I see otherwise. I still have the voicemail on my phone from a gal in customer service specifically stating that segs are ok. I'd be a real dissapointment to get to Union Station, then not be allowed back on to get home.

Here's hoping they get it right!

I love my magic carpet!

[Tarkus]

quote:Originally posted by 1madman
]"You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world...but it requires people to make the dream a reality"

-Walt Disney

Just so you know Mr. Disneys people don't allow Segways in "the most wonderful place in the world" !

If Walt thought that way all he would of had was a roadside dog & pony show, and alot of swamp in Florida.

[fredkap]

Tarkus, You are correct today. But DRAFT never sleeps. One by one the barriers will come down for our disabled community. When Segway use becomes more prevalent by people with qualifying disablities, the absurdity of the bans regarding our able-bodied community will be quite apparent.

Fred

[Red Seg]

Isn't it odd that two transit agencies just a state apart come up with different rules! Here in Portland, Oregon we may transport a Segway aboard MAX Light Rail and aboard the Portland Streetcar in a designated bicycle space. A person using a Segway as a mobility device use the bicycle spaces or wheelchair spaces and may also board buses.

MAX Light Rail
"A two-wheeled device not used as a mobility device, as designated in accordance with the requirements and conditions contained in these Rules, is permitted on a light rail vehicle subject to the Administrative Rules for the transport of Bicycles."

Portland Streetcar
"Bicycles & Segways are allowed on Streetcar in the low floor section only."

Michael

[SegwayLA]

It's my understanding that the MTA in Los Angeles has specifically allowed Segways onto their trains (they also own a fleet of them for security). I guess Metrolink is governed separately though.

[fredkap]

Metrolink has reversed its position regarding disabled use of their trains and will allow access to our disabled users. We absolutely need to have appropriate individuals use Metrolink. If they realize that there are no issues with regard to our disabled community perhaps they will permit our able bodied users access as well.

Fred

[SONORAMA]

It would be helpful if someone were to post the phone number/email address of the Metrolink's customer comment line ... I'm sure a lot of Segway users in LA and across the country would like to weigh in with some opinions on this.

[X-man]

quote:Originally posted by fredkap

Metrolink has reversed its position regarding disabled use of their trains and will allow access to our disabled users. We absolutely need to have appropriate individuals use Metrolink. If they realize that there are no issues with regard to our disabled community perhaps they will permit our able bodied users access as well.

Fred

I'm going to the Pomona FMCA at the Fairplex meet in March.
Is there anyway I can help?



Bob.

To repeat what others have said requires education; to appropriately challenge what others have said, requires brains.