Metrolink Champions Rail Safety with Community Programming Throughout September

Metrolink Champions Rail Safety with Community Programming Throughout September

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LOS ANGELES - As an engaged proponent of Rail Safety Month, held annually in September, regional passenger rail provider Metrolink is ramping up efforts to raise awareness and promote safe behaviors near railroad tracks and at crossings throughout Southern California. The safety of customers and surrounding community members is always Metrolink's top priority, and Rail Safety Month is a timely opportunity to highlight year-round initiatives and bring increased attention to the importance of following safety protocols around railways.

"At Metrolink, we actively choose safety every day," Metrolink Interim Chief Safety, Security and Compliance Officer Tim Morehead said. "During Rail Safety Month, we want to help community members who interact with our system adopt a similar mindset and develop good habits to keep them safe near railroad tracks. Throughout the month, we'll be educating passengers as well as drivers, pedestrians and cyclists about critical safety practices. We want people to stay off phones, listen attentively and adhere to posted signage. By making it easier for others to choose safety, we can prevent tragedies and save lives."

According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, last year, California recorded 172 highway-rail crossing collisions, ranking second in the nation. California led the country in rail trespassing casualties with 190 deaths and 134 injuries reported. The five counties in which Metrolink primarily operates accounted for 33% of incidents involving trespassers statewide. Trespassing along the rail right of way, including walking on tracks or crossing in unauthorized areas as a shortcut to reach a destination, is dangerous and illegal.

To combat these and other rail safety incidents, Metrolink is launching a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at helping community members recognize and counteract the dangers of active train systems. Some essential safety tips include:

· Stay alert around railroad tracks. Don't use your phone or wear headphones. Avoid any other distractions that would prevent you from hearing or seeing an approaching train.

· Trains can come from either direction, so always look both ways at crossings. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing and do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing.

· Never take photos or videos on or near railroad tracks. It's not only dangerous, but it's also illegal to be on the railroad right of way - this includes tracks, bridges, tunnels, signal towers and other facilities.

· Always wait behind the line while standing on the platform. Do not cross the line until the train is stopped and the doors open. Use handholds when boarding and detraining.

· Save the phone number for Metrolink's Security Operations Center - (866) 640-5190 - under "Metrolink Safety" and call or text to report incidents or unsafe behavior in real time; if you see something, say something.

Rail Safety Month is an extension of Operation Lifesaver's national See Tracks? Think Train® Week, which will take place Sept. 23-29. This year, Metrolink is partnering with schools, community groups, law enforcement and other transportation agencies on a variety of initiatives designed to deter unsafe activity and promote good decision-making.

· School partnerships: Metrolink is working with middle schools and high schools located within 500 feet of railroad tracks to deliver critical educational experiences for local youth.

· Targeted enforcements: The LASD, Metrolink Bureau, and local law enforcement agencies will conduct weekly enforcement operations to correct unsafe behaviors, such as bypassing activated crossing gates, and educate the public on the importance of safe conduct near railroad tracks.

· Rail Safety: Los Angeles: On Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22, Metrolink will join the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society, Amtrak and LA Metro at Union Station for the largest railroad safety event in downtown Los Angeles in more than a decade. The free eventwill feature the historic Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive and modern Metrolink equipment, including a rail car with a safety-inspired vinyl wrap, providing a fun and educational opportunity for attendees to learn about the dos and don'ts of rail safety.

· Operation Clear Track: On Tuesday, Sept. 24, members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), Metrolink Bureau, and San Bernardino County Sherriff's Department will participate in this nationwide educational campaign that brings hundreds of first responders together with community members virtually and in person.

· Red Out for Rail Safety: To raise awareness and promote solidarity, Metrolink encourages staff, member agency partners and customers to wear red on Friday, Sept. 27 in support of Red Out for Rail Safety Day and post to social media using the hashtag #RedOutforRailSafety.

Whether a passenger, pedestrian or driver, Metrolink encourages everyone who interacts with rail systems to choose safety by educating themselves about the potential dangers and how to mitigate the risks. Visit metrolinktrains.com/rail-safetyand follow Metrolink on social media to learn more.

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