BayRail Alliance

At the JPB meeting on September 3, 2009, Caltrain has proclaimed September Rail Safety Month. Caltrain is continuing its effort to raise awareness on rail safety through education, enforcement and engineering.

Rail Safety tips:

• Only cross Caltrain tracks at designated crossings.
• If you are on foot and not using a designated crossing – marked by a sign or gate – you are trespassing and are subject to a citation and fine.
• At the moment when the red light flashes and the crossing gate starts to come down, do not ignore the signal and cross the tracks. You are subject to a citation and fine.
• If you see children playing on the tracks or people hanging out along the rail right of way. Call Transit Police at 1.877.723.7245 to report dangerous situations.
• When waiting at a station, be aware that approaching trains may not be stopping at the station and can pass near you at 79 miles per hour. Stay behind the yellow line.
• Trains cannot come to a stop quickly.

When you drive:

• Never stop your car on rail tracks at grade crossings. If there's no room for your car in front of you, stop before the tracks and do not proceed until there's room for your car to completely clear the crossing.
• Transit buses and school buses are required to stop at the grade crossing.
• If the train is approaching and for some reason your car is stopped at the grade crossing and unable to move, leave your vehicle and evacuate in the direction toward the oncoming train.

Below are some of the public service announcement on rail safety by other rail operators:

Public service announcement on teenage suicide:

Public service announcement on driving and rail crossings:

As rail advocates, we have a responsibility to become model riders that take rail safety seriously. By promoting rail safety, we help make Caltrain to become a more reliable form of transporation.