Politics & Government

Security, Rail Service Increased for Mega L.A. Weekend Events

Hundreds of thousands are expected at events April 21 and April 22, less than a week removed from the tragic Boston Marathon bombings.

Expect to see more law enforcement on buses and trains if traveling around Los Angeles County this weekend.

The anticipation of large crowds for multiple events around L.A. has Metro and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department teaming up to not only provide additional rail service but also add extra security measures in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.

"I hope they can expect a normal weekend with some really nice cultural and sporting events in the city, and I hope they enjoy it," LASD Lt. John Sullivan told Patch Wednesday.

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In 2012, according to Metro, the biking event CicLAvia from downtown L.A. to Venice Beach saw more than 100,000 participants, and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California drew between 140,000 and 150,000 people. Senior Relations Officer Paul Gonzalenz said the Grand Prix of Long Beach expects at least 100,000 people, and the L.A. Clippers playoff game Saturday and the L.A. Kings game Sunday expect to draw 50,000 spectators to the Staples Center.

"It must be remembered that large events such as this are not unusual when it comes to SoCal," Gonzalez said, adding they do not want to amplify fear. "There's going to be enhanced security at all [bus and rail] locations."

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Sullivan said there's no specific threat to L.A., but they are at a state of "heightened vigilence" since the bomb explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15.

"We've had a heightened vibility posture on all public transit system as well as public spaces," he said.

Specifically, Sullivan said operational details consist of explosion detection K-9's, mobile search and screening teams, random bag checks, high visibility patrols and rapid response to traffic congestion.

"We have focused on getting some additional crisis response motorcyclists, should there be congestion," he said. "Certainly around CicLAvia and the Grand Prix - any mass gatherings - there could be heat stroke and people getting dehydrated."

Following the Boston bombings, Metro and LASD launched a new transit security website funded by the Department of Homeland Security. The Los Angeles Police Department echoes the message of "If you see something, say something" with launching iWatchLA.org.

The Long Beach mayor and police chief also said they be well-covered for security and there have been no threats.

Extra rail service

The five major weekend events prompted Metro to add train capacity on several rail lines April 20 and April 21.

On both days, Expo trains between Culver City and downtown will operate every six minutes rather than the normal 12 to 15 minute weekend schedule, in light of CicLAvia. Metro will also staff key Metro Rail stations with personnel to help manage passenger flows on and off trains, including passengers with bicycles.

Additional passenger capacity will be provided on the Metro Gold, Red, Purple and Blue Lines at various times to assist passengers traveling to and from this weekend’s other events, including Long Beach Grand Prix and Downtown L.A. sports venues. Metro also will add Metro Silver Line standby buses at El Monte Station and Artesia Station terminals to transport additional passengers as required.

Metro officials noted that some participants in Sunday's CicLAvia event were expected to rely on public transit to access the route, and offered several tips for people taking bikes on trains.

  • Always walk bikes in the station and on trains.
  • If a train is crowded, wait for the next one.
  • Allow other passengers to exit and enter the train before boarding.
  • Stand with your bike in the designated open area onboard.
  • Keep doors and aisles clear, and give priority to wheelchair passengers.
  • Fuel-powered, three-wheel, tandem, recumbent, more than 6-foot-long bicycles, mopeds and trailers are not permitted aboard trains.
  • Bicyclists under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Riding a Metro train requires a TAP card, which costs $1 and is available at rail stations. People who plan to take multiple trains or buses were encouraged to purchase a Metro Day Pass, which costs $5 and allows unlimited rides for one day. The pass must be loaded onto a TAP card.

- City News Service contributed to this report.


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