Drivers stopping inches from the tracks

AUSTIN (KXAN) - It can cause damage to your car or even death, but Austin drivers are still stopping too close to the train tracks. Capital Metro is taking action less than two weeks before passengers hop on board the new commuter rail.

The Austin public transportation company is paying off-duty Austin police officers, private security guards and their own employees to stand at the crossings and enforce the law. The uniforms, right yellow Police vests and added signage warning drivers is not enough to stop many from crossing the white line.

"It's kinda confusing for some of the drivers," said Sr. Officer Paul Sutton with the Austin Police Department. "Austin residents and drivers aren't used to trains running in the city."

Officer Sutton and Corporal Brenda Bermudez staked out 51st and Airport Tuesday afternoon. A stop light on one side of the tracks and a 4-way stop on the other make it tricky. Cars tried to cross the tracks to get closer to the light, but only one vehicle can fit in each lane.

"This arm right here will severely damage your truck and injure you and the train might still be able to hit you," Bermudez told one driver. "I need for you to back up. Lets go ahead and do that now."

Just as soon as she finished telling one person, she turned around and another car had pulled up beside her and stopped less than 15 feet from the tracks.

"You're gonna need to do the same thing, too ok," said Bermudez.

If the train was coming, the crossing arm would drop right on the vehicles. Luckily, the path was clear when the trains blew through.

"To me it's an accident waiting to happen," said Paul Minor who lives nearby and drives through the crossing several times a day. "I think I'm being realistic and not being cynical to say that it's inevitable that there will be a collisionn between a train and a car."

Minor is not convinced the warning signs or added patrols will help. He wants to see a stoplight added at the 4-way stop before services starts - even if that means moving the launch date back.

"I think it's gonna be a beautiful thing, but they really have to get these safety measures in place before they can make it a reality."

Officers have only written warnings so far, but can write tickets. Capital Metro said they will be staking out a number of crossings this week and beef up patrols when passengers start riding.

Service is set to begin Monday, March 22. The fare will be free to all riders the first week. After that, it will be $2 to $3 for a one-way fare and $6 for a day pass.

Riders can also buy a MetroPlus Pass, that is good for unlimited rides on all MetroRail and bus services.

There are reduced prices for students under 18 and active members of the military. Seniors and Disability Fare card holders ride free, as well as UT students, faculty and staff, and children under six.

For more information about MetroRail click here .