As Southern California recovers from the pandemic and transitions to the new normal, Metrolink is using a new safety campaign to remind the public about the simple but necessary ways to stay safe when driving or walking near train tracks.
Metrolink’s goal is to help prevent collisions, injuries, and fatalities on and around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings.
Metrolink works with federal and state funding partners, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and the California State Transportation Agency to develop efforts that improve conditions near tracks. An October 2018 Federal Railroad Administration study found that from November 2013 through October 2017, Los Angeles County had the most railroad trespasser fatalities in the nation with San Bernardino County ranking third and Riverside County rating seventh.
Metrolink’s safety campaign renews and refocuses outreach with community groups along with colleges and universities in those areas to continue educating people about how to help prevent future incidents.
Additional elements of the safety campaign will be outreach to civic leaders, businesses, and schools near tracks to increase awareness, especially during Rail Safety Month in September. Metrolink’s 538 miles of track traverse a complex environment of dense urban centers, sprawling suburbs, agricultural and desert landscapes, requiring outreach and partnerships with local jurisdictions to find solutions to problems.
View Metrolink’s most recent safety video and safety tips here.