The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) installed between-car barriers, manufactured by Visiontron Corp., on Municipal Railway (Muni) Metro light rail vehicles (LRV) to increase rider safety.

The barriers have been installed at the ends of each LRV to cover the gap between two connected trains. They are designed to act as a deterrent to riders inadvertently stepping or falling between adjoined LRVs.

“We are constantly working towards improving safety on our system,” said Ed Reiskin, SFMTA director, transportation. “The yellow and black stripes are visual and physical indicators that are designed to get the attention of our customers to prevent accidents in our subways and streets.”

The striped elastic devices represent years of trial and error for technical Muni staff as they conducted research and reviewed best practices. The barriers also ensure compliance with state and federal safety regulations.

The barriers are just one of many infrastructure improvements for people with limited mobility or other disabilities on Muni vehicles and at Muni stations and stops. The City and County of San Francisco has also identified a need for improvements when it comes to accessibility and is proposing a strategic infrastructure improvement program for the November 2014 ballot.

The “Transportation 2030” funding program ensures that Muni continues to be safe and accessible for everyone and serves the needs of people with disabilities. Funding from Transportation 2013 would go towards repaving neighborhood roads, improving transit reliability and building safer streets.

Should voters approve the measures, new funds could be used to improve subway entrances, elevators, escalators and new Muni boarding islands to improve the safety and accessibility to Muni.