Rail transit agencies collaborate to promote Rail Safety Month

In collaboration with the California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL), the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service, has launched a rail safety initiative to inform riders of best practices when in or around a rail area. The collaboration will also include Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority and the Union Pacific Railroad.

The campaign is set to launch in September to coincide with Rail Safety Month. The multi-faceted strategy for enhanced rail safety education and awareness will include communications through streaming, television, digital radio and focused geofencing.

“The safety of our passengers is our number one priority,” said Amtrak Managing Director Rob Padgette. “Capitol Corridor is working closely with cities and counties along our entire route to prevent incidents at railroad crossings, especially those between Oakland and Hayward.”  

City officials and representatives from Oakland, San Leandro and Hayward, Calif., traveled onboard the train to witness the areas where new safety initiatives are most needed.  

“We have come together across the industry to raise awareness and educate the public on how to keep themselves, friends and families safe near railroad tracks and crossings,” said Amtrak Police Department Inspector Doug Calcagno. “Rail Safety is a team effort. As we continue to grow, the best resource to address track incidents is to come together as one.” 

“No one can do it alone,” said Nancy Sheehan-McCulloch, executive director, CAOL. “You can help save lives and stop track tragedies. Share rail safety tips with your loved ones. It takes all of us working together to impact change. Every month is Rail Safety Month.” 

Through this initiative, CAOL has assisted with distribution efforts of rail safety advertisements displayed on internet-connected televisions and streaming platforms for individuals residing within counties where railroad incidents are the most prevalent. The initiative also provides geofenced safety messaging distributed through mobile devices in such incident-laden geographical hotspots using display advertisements, in-app advertisements and cell phone notifications. Additional steps under development for the program will involve signage installation along high-risk areas of the rail corridor and outreach to unhoused individuals in close proximity to the tracks.

"Rail Safety Month is a valuable time to communicate the importance of rail safety around the tracks in an effort to reduce trespasser incidents," said Bryan MacDonald, chair of the LOSSAN Board of Directors.

As practicing rail safety is a team effort, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner encourages the public to follow safety rules whenever around train tracks, including:

• Never walk on or along train tracks. It's illegal, trespassing and highly dangerous
• Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all warning signs and signals
• Stay alert around tracks. Don’t do anything that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train, such as listening to headphones or talking on the phone
• When boarding, remember to stay behind the marked safety line on the station platform and use handholds as you board
• Report suspicious items, persons or activity immediately to the Amtrak Police Department by approaching a uniformed officer or by calling 911

Throughout September, participating rail partners will continue to engage in a range of activities to promote rail safety, including public awareness campaigns, educational workshops and safety demonstrations.