Contact: Jonah Weinberg, 650.508.6238

Caltrain Redoubles RAIL Safety Efforts

As part of its new campaign, “Don’t Shortcut Life,” Caltrain seeks to further raise public awareness of the need for safe conduct on and around its rail corridor between San Francisco and San Jose.

“We work on safety efforts and education throughout the year,” said Caltrain board chair and San Jose Councilman Ken Yeager. “But, in light of the recent and unfortunate fatalities we have experienced, we feel we need to do more.”

Caltrain will be redoubling up its efforts and focusing on the “Three E’s” of rail safety: Education, Engineering and Enforcement:

EDUCATION: Caltrain will increase efforts to inform the community about the need for safety along the railway. This includes a program to reach out to all schools within a half-mile of the rail corridor and provide education about safety around tracks and trains; working with youth to solicit information about how to best provide information that is meaningful; and wider participation in public events to provide rail-safety information.

ENGINEERING: Caltrain will pursue funds to erect new fencing in strategic locations. Caltrain has contacted local cities to enlist input from their municipalities, in order to determine locations where trespassing is frequent. Community support will be critical to add fencing, using a special heavy-duty mesh material that is difficult to cut, tear down, climb or otherwise vandalize.

ENFORCEMENT: As part of stepped-up trespassing enforcement already underway, Caltrain will continue to work with police agencies along the corridor to provide additional enforcement in their communities, targeting times of day and locations where trespassing is common and frequent. Caltrain will seek additional financial support to fund expanded police presence and enforcement in key areas. Fines for trespassing on railroad property, which includes all rail lines outside of stations and posted crossings, can result in fines of $300 or more.

Trains move along the Caltrain corridor at up to 79 mph, and depending on rail conditions or maintenance projects, trains can run on either track in both directions, so people should not assume they know what to expect. With 96 commuter trains each weekday, as well as freight trains and rail work-equipment, the Caltrain line is heavily trafficked. During peak hours, trains can come along as little as seven minutes apart. And in San Jose, where Caltrain shares space with ACE and Amtrak, a train moves through Diridon station every two minutes, during peak hours.

“People shouldn’t take the railroad for granted,” said Caltrain Rail Operations Director, Bob Doty. “You wouldn’t run across Highway 101 to get to work, and you certainly wouldn’t let your child do it. People need to understand that train tracks are like the freeway, and are not safe to cross unless they’re at a marked, signaled crossing. A shortcut across the track could be a shortcut of your life.”

05/01/06 - jrm