Metrolink Taking Part in Annual Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Preparedness Drill

Metrolink Taking Part in Annual Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Preparedness Drill

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LOS ANGELES - On Thursday, Oct. 17, Metrolink will once again participate in the Great California ShakeOut, held annually in conjunction with International ShakeOut Day to promote and practice earthquake preparedness. At 10:17 a.m., in coordination with participating schools, businesses and government agencies across the state, Metrolink will slow all trains operating on Metrolink-owned tracks in response to a simulated earthquake.

"The safety of our customers and crews is at the heart of our operation," Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. "While we can't change the fact that Southern California is prone to earthquakes, we continue to take proactive steps to mitigate the dangers associated with seismic events. From pursuing innovative technologies, like our first-of-its-kind early earthquake warning system, to taking part in the Great ShakeOut each year, we are always working to improve safety across our network."

Trains will be slowed by Metrolink's pioneering train control system that, in 2023, was fully integrated with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) ShakeAlert technologyand initiates an automated response to stop or slow trains when seismic activity of a qualifying level is detected. Conductors on affected trains will make an onboard announcement informing passengers that the slowdown is part of a simulation and not due to a real earthquake.

"Protecting lives is at the core of the USGS mission," USGS ShakeAlert Coordinator Robert de Groot said. "It is exciting to partner with Metrolink on this enforced braking technology to enhance safety for train riders and crews when an earthquake is detected by the ShakeAlert system. Metrolink's participation in the Great ShakeOut provides an opportunity to practice earthquake response and also spread the word about how earthquake early warning is being integrated into critical lifelines."

Metrolink trains traveling on parts of the system owned by BNSF Railway, the North County Transit District or Union Pacific will receive automated notifications informing crews that the coordinated earthquake drill is taking place but will otherwise operate normally.