Police officers rode on a Metrolink train this morning, targeting illegal and unsafe behavior on or near railroad tracks and crossings. KPCC's Brian Watt rode along.
The train shuttled between the Glendale and Burbank stations, a stretch of track with some of Metrolink's most accident-prone crossings.
Metrolink, Amtrak and Glendale police officers watched for motorists trying to beat the approaching train through crossings and for trespassers – people walking along the railroad. That's illegal, but some people do it – even walk on the tracks while listening to music through headphones.
During my ride in the locomotive, one officer spotted a cyclist hustling across the tracks. Metrolink officials told me that nationwide, there are 500 trespassing fatalities a year. California has the largest share.