[IMAGE]Valley-Metro-Be-Safe-Screenshot-4-2.jpg[/IMAGE] On Tuesday, Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (Metro) released the seventh song in its year-long “Notes” campaign to help Valley residents understand the ins and outs of using public transportation.

Titled “Be Safe,” by Tempe band What Laura Says, the newest song coincides with many Valley-wide messages of how to be safe this summer.

The song helps transit riders become familiar with the top safety tips for using the bus and light rail. Metro reminds riders to “be safe” with the following tips:

• Never chase after the bus or light rail.

• Use the crosswalks at the light rail stops.

• When you board, immediately choose a seat.

• Never cross in the front or the back of a bus.

• Don’t play around on the light rail tracks.

• If you are standing, please hold on tight.

• Stay on the platform as the light rail approaches.

• As summer temperatures rise, stay hydrated by always having water with you.

“Keeping our passengers safe is our number one priority,” says Dave Boggs, Valley Metro executive director. “It is important for all passengers to understand that riding transit can be a safe, fun experience by following a few safety tips. This song and video address those important tips in a fun and memorable way.”

The “Notes” campaign launched in November 2010 and consists of six local bands that have written and recorded 11 original songs about how to use public transportation. Each original creation describes a different aspect about using the Valley Metro system, such as how to buy fare, passenger courtesy, safety near train tracks and buses, or how one fare pass can be used on both bus and light rail.

The 11 topics were selected based on common passenger questions at Valley Metro’s customer service line and from the top questions city transit departments receive.

Valley Metro is releasing the songs one at a time through fall 2011. The songs are set to animated video and are available with other helpful information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.ValleyMetro.org/Notes. Participating local bands are: Black Carl, Captain Squeegee, Elvis Before Noon, Mills End, Peachcake and What Laura Says.