Valley Driving

Proof positive that Los Angeles is a car culture town: The MTA printed ads in today's Daily News with instructions about the valley's new Orange Line service not for Metro commuters but for those still driving the streets in their own private gas guzzlers. Included amongst the suggestions of always being alert at intersections, staying out of the "keep clear" zones (which should be obvious but seem to always be ignored) and proceeding with caution are these more specific to the new transitway:

Never turn right on red. Obey all traffic signals. Right turns are not permitted at red lights. Do not attempt them. Your red light means a bus travelling at speeds up to 50 miles per hour is coming. It's not a risk worth taking.

and

Never drive on the transitway. The Orange Line roadway is reserved for large buses with no room to spare for private vehicles. Since it is an enclosed right-of-way, there are no exits or escape routs. Never attempt to enter the Orange Line.

Are we the only ones reminded of the truck bearing down on Governor Arnold and little Edward Furlong in Terminator 2 when reading that 2nd rule?

In other traffic news, have you noticed traffic cops managing transitions at your busiest intersections during rush hour? We sure have. On this side of the hill, white glove treatment has been seen on Ventura boulevard at all the major canyon cross streets from 4 to 6 pm or so every evening for the past week.