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This Week In Transportation: April 15, 2002

Digital video recorders keep an eye on rider safety

New security cameras send images to an onboard video recording system that stores images on a computer hard drive.

Recent events have heightened public awareness of the need for safety and security. After years of development, King County Metro will soon be installing Digital Video Recording Systems (DVR) to monitor safety and security on 160 buses.

DVR systems are another tool to provide a secure environment for riders and operators. When situations warrant, images on DVR-equipped buses can be downloaded by Transit Police when the coaches return to their base. The system also allows Transit Police to view near-real-time images from up to 1,000 feet away if necessary.

The cameras provide a deterrence to false claims, vandalism, and other improper behavior. Buses equipped with cameras will have signs alerting riders to that fact.

Onboard security cameras are just one of many safety and security strategies adopted by King County Metro. Others include Transit Police boarding teams and improved reporting systems to track and evaluate security incidents.

Federal grants are funding 80 percent of the cost of equipment purchase. More cameras may be installed as funding becomes available.

"Earth Heroes" Award for high-rise commute program

• A program introduced here last month has been named by King County Executive Ron Sims as one of his first "Earth Heroes" for 2002. Equity Office Properties Trust [external link] was recognized for its efforts to relieve regional traffic congestion by partnering with King County Metro to create the Bank of America Tower Commute Options Program. Through the program, employers in Seattle's tallest building subsidize free bus passes, priority carpools and other commute options for 3,500 employees there.

See a streaming video [RealMedia file] of the County Executive presenting his first "Earth Heroes" award of the year to the staff of Equity Office Properties Trust for their Bank of America Tower Commute Options Program.

"Equity Office took a big business risk in organizing an entire skyscraper," Sims said. He acknowledged the firm's significant financial contribution to subsidize this program, a partnership between King County Metro Transit, the City of Seattle, the Downtown Seattle Association, and Equity Office, owner and operator of the Tower.

Air traffic controllers back in the tower

• Without fanfare, and just over a year after the devastating Nisqually earthquake, repairs and seismic retrofitting have been completed to the Air Traffic Control Tower and Airport Fire Stations at King County International Airport, and air traffic controllers from the Federal Aviation Administration have now been able to return to work in the tower. For the past year, flights at Boeing Field have been directed out of a temporary trailer that was stacked on top of three cargo containers for height. Work on the control tower included seismic strengthening of the tower cab and base of the tower shaft, and improvement of unsafe stairways. "Everyone is pleased that we're finally able to have a fully operational tower again!," says Acting Airport Manager Mike Colmant.

New braces support the tower shaft of the control tower at King County Airport.
[Enlarged view: 25 K]

Minor weekend flooding

• Our crews were out Sunday and Monday as heavy rains and a high freezing level led to moderate flooding in the Snoqualmie Valley and around ten roads closed due to water over the roadway. Remember never to drive through standing water or around a barricade or road closure sign. The number one cause of flood-related deaths is motorists driving into flooded roadways. Look for the latest road closure information and sign up for e-mailed flood alerts from our Regional Public Information Network at www.govlink.org/

Public meetings

• The Edgewick Bridge, which crosses the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, has become obsolete due to its narrowness and inability to carry heavy trucks. Come hear plans for replacing it at an open house this Thursday, April 18, 5:30 – 7 p.m., at Camp Waskowitz Barn Meeting Room, 45505 SE 150th Street, just southeast of North Bend. The project is scheduled for construction in 2004 at an estimated cost of $6.4 million. Email Patrick Duhon or call him at (206) 263-3424.

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