Following on to the post SacRT light rail platform flaws, here are some more examples of issues.

The use of embedded rocks as a ‘detectable’ warning strip seemed to be an occasional practice, but it has become clear that it is part of the standard design. As the 8th & O station, the rocks end the platform, where it steps down eight inches to the original platform level. The railings look to be complete, so it can be assumed that there will be no railings at the end of the platform. Instead, rocks mark the end of the platform. The rocks ensure that not only will a person with limited vision or blind step off the end of the platform, but that they will trip and then fall off the platform. This is a hazardous design that SacRT should be ashamed of.

At the 8th & Capitol station, the detectable warning strips would lead a person with limited vision directly off the platform edge, with rocks to ensure a fall. This new platform also has the challenge that the sidewalk drainage is towards the outer edge of the platform, so water will pool against the platform.

At 8th & K station, the new platform southern end looks like this. Anyone might assume they could just step over the rocks and on to the alley pavement. Nope. There is an eight inch drop concealed here.

And for good measure, a mystery platform design. At the 8th & K station new platform, there is a lower area of the platform, going from eight inches above top of rail to six inches above rail, shown below. Why is it there? Not for any reason obvious to an observer.

STAR support the light rail modernization project, particularly the new low floor rail cars, but these kinds of platform designs indicate that the entire project was not well thought out or designed. Where is the commitment to ADA compliance? What other flaws are present but haven’t been noticed yet? Who at SacRT is paying attention?

• SacRT light rail modernization