With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Here's how SoCal train operators are responding the extreme heat
A Metro train operator behind the controls on a street-running section of the K Line on Crenshaw Boulevard.
(
Courtesy L.A. Metro
)
Topline:
As temperatures climb to 118 degrees in some SoCal areas, several L.A. Metro buses have overheated and train tracks across the region are at risk of warping. In response, Metrolink has stepped up inspections to catch "sun kinks," which can be dangerous for trains to pass over.
Delays possible: When temperatures are high, operators will run trains 10 to 30 mph slower than usual to keep tracks from overheating. L.A. Metro said they're running the light rail 10 mph slower to avoid issues with overhead wires and power systems.
Fixing the tracks: If a track does kink, workers will often wait until later in the day when temperatures cool down to replace it.
Support for LAist comes from
Go deeper: Painting train tracks white and installing enhanced monitoring techniques are both being explored to help address the effects of extreme heat, which are becoming more common as the climate continues to change.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist