Operation Lifesaver, Inc.’s New Transit Safety Pledges Empower Safe Choices Around Rail Transit

WASHINGTON, DC, August 30, 2023 – Educating rail transit riders of all ages on making safe choices around transit trains, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the nonprofit rail safety education and awareness organization, today unveils three impactful online transit safety pledges. Tailored to appeal to pre-readers, inspire young minds aged 5-12 and empower adults, these colorful, engaging pledges are accessible at oli.org/passenger-rail-safety.

Building on the success of its existing rail safety pledges for kids and adults, the new transit safety pledges give rail transit and commuter riders concise, actionable information to use when entering stations, accessing train platforms and riding trains. Funding for the transit pledges was provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

After taking the transit safety pledge online, users may download a certificate reminding them of the safe choices they promised to make. Adults also have the option to instantly share the pledge link across social media or via email with family, friends and colleagues.

“As options increase for taking rail transit to work, play and other destinations, OLI’s transit safety pledges help riders know what to do around railroad tracks and trains,” said Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “We urge transit riders to share the pledges with family and friends. The simple act of sharing the pledge raises awareness and can help #STOPTrackTragedies.”

Federal Transit Administrator Nuria Fernandez said, “We are proud to support OLI in their lifesaving mission to educate all transit riders, from youth to adults, about rail safety. These eye-catching transit safety pledges provide clear instructions on how to act around tracks and trains and serve as important reminders that can help save lives.”

“As a former transit agency CEO, I know how committed our industry is to safety. It is woven into the very fabric of our culture,” said American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and Chief Executive Officer Paul P. Skoutelas. “OLI’s safety pledges reinforce our industry’s commitment, and our members are proud to help educate their communities concerning important safety tips to follow while riding rail transit and to create awareness about making safe choices around railroad tracks.”

OLI urges the transit-riding public to:

• Use increased attention when approaching and crossing railroad tracks
• Make safe choices in transit stations and while riding trains
• In stations, stay alert, avoid distractions and stay behind the yellow or raised markings as trains approach
• Know that transit trains travel quickly, are quiet and may not stop at all stations
• Never ride bikes, scooters or skateboards in the station

“In addition to these safety pledges, Operation Lifesaver offers free rail safety presentations across the country as well as the opportunity to become a volunteer and make a difference in your community,” Maleh noted. “Visit oli.org today to learn more, request a presentation and volunteer. Together, we can stop track tragedies,” she concluded.

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