Metra on Aug. 13 announced that it will receive a grant from Operation Lifesaver Inc. to help promote rail safety awareness in the region.
Operation Lifesaver, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, awarded more than $200,000 in grants to 13 state Operation Lifesaver programs for a variety of highway-rail grade crossing safety public education projects, in conjunction with the group’s ongoing “See Tracks? Think Train” public awareness campaign.
Under the grant program, Metra will receive $20,000 which will be used to produce and place banners with the slogan “See Tracks? Think Train!” on the outside of commuter rail cars and on electronic signs at the Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago.
“Increasing public awareness of the importance of safe behaviors near railroad tracks and crossings is a never-ending process,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “We have long partnered with Operation Lifesaver to champion safety and we’re pleased to receive this grant in support of these efforts.”
Operation Lifesaver, Inc. also awarded grants to Operation Lifesaver organizations in California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. The grants were awarded through a competitive process following an evaluation of proposals by a panel of safety experts. The grant recipients will use the funds to spread the “See Tracks? Think Train!” safety message via a variety of media platforms.
