II. The Safety Hazard

PG&E and JPB assert that the installation of the access ramp and stairs will alleviate an immediate safety hazard to passengers at the station. The construction of the access ramp and stairs is one of a number of safety improvements JPB is making to the station. These safety improvements include the closing of three at-grade pedestrian crossings, installation of a crossing arm and lights at two at-grade pedestrian crossings, construction of an outboard boarding platform to eliminate the center island boarding platform, installation of a median fence, and construction of a parking lot to the east of the station. The access ramp and stairs will be built within the Easement Area to allow access to the platform from the eastern parking lot and easy egress from the platform in case of an emergency to insure compliance with ADA and fire codes.

JPB says that safety improvements are a high priority for Caltrain, and construction of these proposed improvements must be expedited to alleviate a serious public safety concern evidenced by a recent incident at the Hillsdale Caltrain Station where a train clipped a patron waiting on the soon to-be-removed center platform. Passengers do not always heed the numerous signs directing patrons not to wait on the center island platform. This accident easily could have been more serious; the proposed improvement project will address this concern.