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Editor,
I’ve recently seen a multitude of articles and letters that have raised concerns over the increased use of train horns along the Peninsula since Caltrain started regular operation of the new electric trains. As someone who lives close to the train tracks and has noticed the increased frequency of service, I understand the frustration, but I’d like to offer an explanation as to why the horns are being sounded more often.
The new trains, along with being faster, are significantly quieter compared to the old equipment. The decrease in noise is stark when the trains are running at speeds over 60 mph. In some areas, due to acoustics, the trains are effectively running ahead of the already lower noise they generate going down the tracks. At “blind” corners and crossings, where there is limited visibility for pedestrians and motorists to look down the tracks, it can be fatal.
With this increased danger, train operators are left with no choice but to sound the horn more. Given the faster acceleration and braking of the new trains, it’s sometimes necessary to sound the horn a much greater linear distance from a crossing, all while reaching the crossing in just as many seconds.
I want to reiterate that I understand the frustration of residents. However, train horns save lives every day, both on the tracks and around them.
Alex Skinner
San Bruno
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(8) comments
Great piece, Alex.
Thanks for writing !
Alex - growing up in the Netherlands, I don't recall the requirement of their electric trains blowing horns. Trains are far more ubiquitous in that country than in the US. The Netherlands still count many unguarded crossings but collisions are few and far in between. Here we have a single line and experience several collisions and pedestrian fatalities each year. Are these horn blows really making a difference or is there a need for the public to be better educated? It seems that accident prevention at all cost has lulled us into not having to take responsibility for our own actions.
I don't remember horns like this anywhere in the world.
This seems to be a way to make people pissed at public transportation, nothing else.
Has anyone ever made any of these suggestions:
- Big trucks on freeways need to honk at every on-ramp?
- Why not have everyone driving along El Camino honk at every intersection?
- How about people driving through neighborhoods honking at every stop sign?
All these should make things safer, right?
Most train fatalities here are suicides. While train horns are necessary, the volume is not. I can't imagine there has been a single case of someone saved while walking because they heard a horn (or killed because they did not.)
Think about vehicles inadvertently or negligently stopped on the tracks at grade crossings - I see it all the time at the Broadway crossing in Burlingame.
Mitch, I generally agree with you, however, horns are only necessary for dopes
Dirk, in the US we have democrats, thus horns are needed
Dirk, Darwin would be quite happy with eliminating horns as would EYE. And yes, I know Jorg has only one working eye.
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