Octa's transportation blog

Take Rail Safety Seriously and Pledge to Be Rail Safe

Trains are part of Orange County life. Every day, trains contribute to our mobility and economic growth. Yet trains can also be dangerous.

To remind Orange County residents to be careful around trains, OCTA launched a rail safety program this month that educates people about trains and how to behave safely around them. As part of the program, materials were distributed to many Orange County schools located near railroad tracks.

Those who pledge to be rail safe can win a pair of Metrolink tickets.

What does it mean to be rail safe?

  • Crossing only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. It’s safer, and crossing anywhere else is illegal.
  • Staying alert around railroad tracks. Avoid texting, headphones, or other distractions. Today’s trains are very quiet and they don’t always sound their horns.
  • Remembering that it takes about one mile—the length of 18 football fields—for a train to stop.
  • Expecting a train at any time. Trains can move in either direction at any time, day or night.

To learn more about rail safety and to pledge, click here.