MassDOT, MBTA, Keolis, and Massachusetts Operation Lifesaver Promote Safety Awareness during National “See Tracks, Think Train” Week

Monday September 15 marks the beginning of the nation's annual "See Tracks, Think Train" Week. Developed by Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a public safety non-profit dedicated to rail safety education, this year's "See Tracks, Think Train" Week is September 15 through September 21 with MassDOT, the MBTA, Keolis Commuter Services, MBTA Transit Police (TPD), and others participating in a series of educational initiatives in support of this safety campaign.

"The safety of our employees, riders, and the public is our highest priority as we maintain and expand public transportation across the Commonwealth," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "We are grateful for the 'See Tracks, Think Train' campaign, which reminds everyone to stay alert around railroads and recognize the power of a moment's attention. We urge the public to look out for one another not only near train tracks, but in life. Some people carry invisible burdens. If you know someone who may be struggling, reach out. A moment of care or connection could prevent a split-second decision that brings irreversible heartbreak to individuals, families, and communities."

"While "See Track, Think Train" is a powerful annual campaign, safety needs to be on everyone's mind every day of the year,"said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. "Through education, engineering, and enforcement, we've made real progress but there is so much more to do. Grade crossings are safe when rules of the road are followed, whether it is in an automotive vehicle or on foot. Safety starts with awareness, so if you see tracks, always assume a train is coming from either direction, and never walk along the tracks or cross the tracks when the lights are flashing and the gates are down. See Track, Think Train: it's a simple message that saves lives."

"Safety is our top priority at Keolis,"said John Killeen, General Manager and CEO of Keolis Commuter Services. "The community awareness events during 'See Tracks, Think Train' week are a crucial tool to educate the public about safety around the railroad. Keolis is pleased to partner with MassDOT, the MBTA, and Operation Lifesaver to make this week's events a success."

"Each year this campaign shines a light on the importance of passengers, pedestrians, and motorists making safe choices around railroad tracks and trains. We're pleased to participate in spreading Operation Lifesaver's critical message alongside MassDOT, Amtrak, TPD, Keolis, and more to educate the public on rail safety and avoid preventable incidents and fatalities on and around railroad tracks in our communities," said MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan

Coholan.

"We are proud to continue our commitment to advancing rail safety education through the annual 'See Tracks, Think Train' campaign, and throughout the year," said MBTA Chief Safety Officer Timothy P. Lesniak. "This is an opportunity to raise awareness across our communities about the importance of staying off railroad tracks, maintaining situational awareness, and obeying signs and signals at grade crossings. The partnerships that drive this initiative are critical to amplifying this message and preventing tragedies."

Each year, thousands of people in North America are killed or seriously injured due to unsafe behavior near train tracks. Trespassing onto tracks and being distracted can be extremely dangerous. Tragic incidents have also occurred when drivers ignore crossing signals or gates. High-speed Commuter Rail and subway trains can approach quietly and need ample time to stop given the size of vehicles. Even when no train is scheduled, freight and other rail services still operate across the Greater Boston area.

The MBTA is committed to public and employee safety. Through the national Operation Lifesaver campaign - including messages like "See Tracks? Think Train" and #StopTrackTragedies - the MBTA, Keolis, and Amtrak are working to raise awareness about rail safety.

Employees are continuously being trained to deliver rail safety presentations to schools, community groups, drivers, and first responders. In addition, agency partners are sharing safety messages throughout September via social media, station displays, train signage, and employee briefings. These efforts focus on staying alert, following right-of-way rules, reporting hazards, and preventing injuries.

Together, we can stop track tragedies - stay alert, stay off the tracks, and always obey crossing signals.

"See Tracks, Think Train" Rail Safety Week events are also planned throughout the week in various locations (weather pending), staffed by the MBTA, Keolis, TPD, Amtrak, and more:

Monday, September 15:

•"See Tracks, Think Train" Week officially kicks off with #STOPTrackTragedies Media

Outreach Day, launching the campaign with proclamations and the release of a new PSA and video sharing emotional real-life rail incident experiences

•3:00-6:00 PM - Information Table at South Station

Tuesday, September 16:

•The annual observance of Operation Clear Track in the U.S. and Canada emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. Law enforcement and first responders across the U.S. will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities and other in-person positive enforcement events, as well as share rail safety education messages through social media, emails and website posts.

Wednesday, September 17:

•This day highlights Crossing Safety, emphasizing the importance of making safe choices where roadways cross railroad track to include use of the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs.

Thursday, September 18:

•Two areas of emphasis on this day: Transit Safety Thursday & Professional Driver Safety, focusing on safe transit riding habits and sharing roadways with transit trains and critical information for truckers and professional drivers, as well as school bus drivers. Transit riders, friends and family are encouraged to share and take OLI's Transit Safety

Pledge.

•3:00-6:00 PM - Information Table at North Station

Friday, September 19:

•Focus on volunteering with OLI along with Wearing Red for "Red Out" for Rail Safety by encouraging partner safety organizations, schools, railroad employees and the public to wear red in support of rail safety education and share photos on social media.

•10:30 AM-12:30 PM - Information Table at George R. Austin Intermediate School,

Lakeville

Saturday, September 20:

•This day is centered on trespass prevention; targeting pedestrians, joggers, students and outdoor enthusiasts with safety messages about the dangers of being on or near the tracks.

Sunday, September 21:

•The week concludes with messages to the creator community as well as amateur and

professional photographers. No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk warns content creators of the dangers of illegal photos or videos taken near tracks and trains.

For information on how to get involved, access campaign resources or request a rail safety presentation, visit oli.org or contact MBTA Transit Police Officer and State Coordinator for Massachusetts Operation Lifesaver Dana DeLorenzo at [email protected]