Drive Safely Around Light Rail
Do Not Take the Risk – Drive Aware
At any time of the day or night, you can find yourself driving near a Valley Metro train consisting of one, two or three vehicles. Each vehicle is 90 feet long and weighs 100,000 pounds. Every day, each train intersects 148 intersections and makes 225 trips. Obeying your traffic signals and being aware is all the more key with light rail sharing the road.
Rules to Remember
• Obey all traffic signals. A red arrow means “do not turn.”
• Never stop or park your car on the tracks.
• Never try to beat a train through an intersection.
• Be patient and do not accelerate through yellow lights.
• Light rail trains are quiet. Look for flashing headlights and listen for warning bells and horns.
Signs and Signals for Drivers
Many of the signals added to light rail intersections are commonly used signals and should be familiar to you as motorists; others are simply there to make you aware. Please pay close attention to all traffic signals, particularly those noted below.
Train approaching signal
This signal is located near your traffic signals and activates when a train is in proximity. It is intended to raise your awareness as you drive along the line. It does not require you to stop or divert from your traffic signals. Always obey your signals.
Left and u-turns permitted with green arrow
This sign is located at light rail intersections intended for those waiting in the left-hand turn lane. Left or u-turns across the tracks is only permitted with a green arrow.
No right turn on red
Right-turn arrows are located in the downtown areas, normally associated with one-way roadways. A red arrow means that you may not turn in the direction of that arrow. You must stop and wait for the green arrow before making the turn, even if traffic appears clear. Remember, running a red arrow has similar fines and ramifications as running a red light.
Train operator signal
This signal should be ignored; it is for train operators only. Always obey your traffic signals.
No vehicles on the tracks
This sign is located at light rail intersections to caution you from driving on the tracks.
Valley Metro tracks are for trains only.
Signals at frontage roads
Valley Metro frontage roads are located on the other side of the tracks on one-way roadways. They provide access to the properties along these streets. Signalized intersections allow you to safely cross the tracks to enter or exit the frontage roads.