IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

LYNX BLUE LINE TO SOUND BELLS WHEN APPROACHING LOW-SPEED GRADE CROSSINGS

Charlotte, N.C., March 10, 2008 - In an ongoing effort to improve LYNX Blue Line service, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will use the bell sound on the trains instead of the horn sound when it approaches low-speed grade crossings.  “We worked with neighborhoods and businesses along the line to determine the least intrusive sound while at the same time maintaining the high level of safety that CATS adheres,” said Jim Dougherty, CATS' General Manager of Safety and Security.  “The train bells provide as much safety and warning to motorists and pedestrians and are more pleasing to nearby residents.”
 
The bells will sound as trains are approaching and traveling through grade crossings from New Bern Street to Seventh Street Station.  The only exception is Remount Road since this intersection is a high-speed crossing. “The LYNX Blue Line trains are very quiet and the train bells, grade crossing gates and lights are designed to warn vehicle and pedestrian traffic of approaching trains,” Dougherty said.  The horns on the train will sound only in the event of an emergency at low-speed crossings.
 
Always remember to never drive around lowered crossing gates, never race a train to a crossing and to obey all traffic signs and signals.  To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.

With 63,000 daily commuters, expanded services, improved bus shelters, new transit centers and services for people with disabilities, investments in transit is attracting more and more people to ride CATS. These are just a few of the ways the half-cent sales tax keeps the whole Charlotte region moving forward.  For more information on CATS visit ridetransit.org.