Train crossings raise safety concerns

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In one week, paying customers will board the MetroRail for the first time.

The 32-mile line will run from Cedar Park to Downtown Austin during rush hour in record time, but there is still a safety concern at 51st Street and Airport Boulevard.

"It is not acceptable," said Capital Metro Spokesperson Adam Shaivitz. "It's highly dangerous and illegal to stop - not just on the railroad tracks but even within 15 feet of railroad tracks."

Despite the law, dozens of drivers are doing it at the intersection that can be a bit confusing. A two-way stop comes before the crossing that sits in front of a stop light. Cars often stack up in the no park-zone.

The city just re-striped the stopping point on the pavement and hope the visual reminder will help.

Another violation officers are witnessing when the train is close and the crossing arms are coming down - cars are trying to beat the bars.

"If you lose, you're gonna lose a lot more than just a race," said Shaivitz.

A moment of clarity came in Downtown Houston Monday afternoon when a metro bus and a passenger train collided, injuring 18 people. The cause is still under investigation.

It is the second Houston train crash in two months. Another metro bus collided with a passenger train in Houston in February, sending nine people to the hospital. Authorities said the bus driver ran a red light.

In Austin, Capital Metro will continue rolling forward with passenger service.

"There's nothing that's come up that's going to affect the opening of the system or results in any drastic changes," said Shaivitz.

Rides will be free the first week of service. For a complete schedule and fares click here .