I filmed this Metrolink train on August 1, 2008 with my Palm Centro while stopped at a red light in the San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys Blvd. at San Fernando Blvd.). The train was heading South on the Antelope Valley Line towards Union Station in Los Angeles.
Note that the train is in "pusher" mode which means the engine is in the back of the train pushing the cars forward. This is a controversial configuration as doing so leaves the "front" of the train very vulnerable to damage from collisions.
I rode this train intermittently between 2001 and 2003 when I was working at the development (fundraising) offices of City of Hope in downtown Los Angeles (note the Metrolink ticket in the header of my blog: http://www.doctorious.org). I boarded the train at the Santa Clarita station, get off at Union Station and then take the Red Line to the 7th Street and Figueroa station, at which point I walked approximately one-half mile to my office which was on the corner of Wilshire Ave. and Bixel Street.
I generally liked taking the train, although getting to the station in time to park and catch the train was often a challenge. I would usually sleep or read -- sometimes I would just people watch or listen (I once overheard someone moving around tens of millions of dollars in some kind of investment account!).
I was never involved in any serious accident, though the night before Halloween in 2001 or 2002 the train on which I was riding while heading hope hit and killed someone walking on the tracks. I was asleep at the time and awoke to the sounds of the brakes screeching us to a halt (I remember it sounded like someone was throwing hundreds of shopping carts all over the place).
The train was stopped for two hours while the scene was investigated and cleaned up. It eventually turned into an odd experiment in impromptu community creation as, being that it was the night before Halloween, there was plenty of candy to be had, so everyone shared their loot while we waited to get moving again. Although it was somewhat morbid, it made for an interesting experience that I have not since experienced.
When it came to safety, unless the train was too crowded to do so, I preferred to ride in the middle car (usually there were there cars plus the engine). I assumed that would be the safest spot on the train should we hit something from the front or get rear-ended. I also would usually ride facing backwards to compensate for their being no seatbelts on the train. My theory was, and still is, that if the train stopped short or was involved in some kind of accident, the forward motion would push me back into the seat itself and not out and away from it (in other words: airborne).
All things considered I would ride the train again if my employment situation presents an opportunity to do so. Overall it was an enjoyable experience, despite the inconvenience it often presented with regard to scheduling and flexibility. It would be great if there was an easy way I could take the train to Bakersfield when I teach at the DeVry campus there, but I just don't see how it could be feasible given my schedule. Maybe in the future, additional transportation methods will become available to me and others desiring alternative options.
Note: For some reason when I upload video taken on my Palm Centro the audio never seems to work.
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