Rail Safety: Los Angeles attendees could view and tour the cabs of the Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive, a Metrolink Tier 4 locomotive and the new “Choose Safety” vinyl-wrapped Rotem trailer car.
Throughout September, Metrolink actively promoted Rail Safety Month, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to raising awareness and encouraging safe behaviors near railroad tracks and crossings across Southern California. With safety always our top priority, Metrolink staff and partners used the visibility of Rail Safety Month to highlight ongoing initiatives and emphasize the importance of following railway safety protocols.
Our safety, security and compliance staff, in conjunction with our marketing and communications teams, launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate passengers, drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on critical rail safety practices. Key safety tips included staying alert and avoiding distractions like phones and headphones around railroad tracks, and never crossing tracks when gates are lowered or signals are flashing. Metrolink also reminded the public of the dangers of trespassing on railroad property, an illegal and life-threatening act.
Additional Rail Safety Month programming included:
- School partnerships: Metrolink worked with schools near railroad tracks to teach students about rail safety.
- Targeted enforcements: Weekly enforcement operations with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Metrolink Bureau, and local law enforcement focused on preventing dangerous behaviors like bypassing activated crossing gates.
- Rail Safety: Los Angeles: Metrolink participated in a rail-safety-themed community event Sept. 21-22 at LA Union Station featuring educational exhibits, the historic Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive and Metrolink equipment.
- Operation Clear Track: On Sept. 24, Metrolink and partnering law enforcement agencies joined first responders nationwide to educate the public about safe behaviors around train tracks.