Train noise: We need more local quiet zones

Train horns blaring day and night is unnecessary noise pollution, which causes stress and anxiety, disturbs sleep, scares animals, and makes it difficult for adults and children to focus on work or study.

We should establish more quiet zones in Puyallup and Tacoma that ban non-emergency horn blasts by installing safety measures such as gate systems and signage.

Even if we citizens need to fund these, think of the improvement in quality of life and property values.

At minimum, we should insist horns are at the legal minimum of 96 decibels, not the maximum of 110 dbs. That’s a big difference, especially at 2 a.m.

But if we can do without the horns at all, why not?

Many of us love the history, character and atmosphere of trains. I’ve traveled across the Sierra Nevadas aboard the California Zephyr while listening to an audiobook about building the Transcontinental Railroad.

But I’d like a more peaceful living environment. Who is with me?

This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Train noise: We need more local quiet zones."