Advocacy & Safety - always look both ways

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Andy69
06-09-08, 08:52 AM
Maybe this is a "commuting" post as well. Anyway....

So on my to work this morning, I was waiting to cross a busy intersection, at the crosswalk. having pushed the button, I got a "walk" signal. Just before stepping off the curb, I looked left - just in time to nearly get my ear scraped off by the city bus that ran the red light. Unfortunately I was stunned enough that by the time I reacted the buss was far enough awat I couldn't see the bus number, otherwise I would be calling MATA right now. This is the second time in as many months I've had a bus run a red light right in from of me. Both times it's been at a T intersection and they have been on the side with no cross street, so they probably figure it's OK to run it.

ruiner
06-09-08, 06:01 PM
Maybe they can fix some of the danger by simply increasing the time between the red light's beginning and when your walk signal turns green. I'm not sure who you would need to talk to about that.

Also, you won't need the bus number if you give them the exact time and location which would narrow it down for them. The drivers could get a collective dressing down or at least be made aware that they're onto them. For that reason you should always call in close calls so that the bus drivers know they are being watched and being held accountable.
bmclaughlin807
06-09-08, 08:38 PM
Maybe this is a "commuting" post as well. Anyway....

So on my to work this morning, I was waiting to cross a busy intersection, at the crosswalk. having pushed the button, I got a "walk" signal. Just before stepping off the curb, I looked left - just in time to nearly get my ear scraped off by the city bus that ran the red light. Unfortunately I was stunned enough that by the time I reacted the buss was far enough awat I couldn't see the bus number, otherwise I would be calling MATA right now. This is the second time in as many months I've had a bus run a red light right in from of me. Both times it's been at a T intersection and they have been on the side with no cross street, so they probably figure it's OK to run it.

I don't know about there, but here all the city buses have GPS units... if you can give an intersection and time they can find the bus.

I had a bus nearly run a pickup into me by merging over towards the pickup without signalling or waiting for an opening... the pickup driver honked and slammed on his brakes... at first I thought he was honking at me until the bus came within a foot of merging into me as well... Customer service at RTD was very helpful in identifying the route and bus.