Walk, bike and drive safely along the Green Line

1. MPR News reporter Trisha Volpe talks about safety along the Green Line with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer. June 9, 2014

When the Green Line launches on Saturday, June 14, people driving, bicycling or walking along the 11-mile route can expect to see more police officers and stepped-up traffic enforcement along the line, which connects downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis via University Avenue.

The road striping along the route and traffic enforcement signs are new in downtown St. Paul and along University Avenue, although they're found in other parts of the Twin Cities along the Blue Line in Minneapolis and the Northstar commuter line.

Metro Transit officials say they want people to pay extra attention to signs and signals they may not have seen before.

"What we're really asking people to do is pay attention to their surroundings," says Metro Transit Police captain Jim Franklin. "Watch the signs and obey the signs."

There will be 22 police officers dedicated to patrolling the line and surrounding community.

During the test period, which started in May, Green Line trains have been running every ten minutes. There have been three accidents involving cars making improper turns at busy Green Line intersections, according to Metro Transit police - but there are no reports of accidents involving test trains and bicyclists or pedestrians.

For more information about safety along the Green Line and a list of all the signs and signals and what they mean: www.metrotransit.org/green-line-safety