MARTA, OL focus on pedestrian safety
New campaign to use bus shelter posters and onboard video public service announcements to remind pedestrian commuters to "Stay Focused! Stay Alive!"
Rail safety nonprofit Operation Lifesaver (OL), on behalf of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), launched a new safety campaign using bus shelter posters and onboard video public service announcements to remind pedestrian commuters to "Stay Focused! Stay Alive!"
"Our new PSA reminds pedestrians to stay focused, especially near train tracks," says Helen Sramek, president of Operation Lifesaver. "Pedestrians face multiple electronic distractions — cell phones, texting, mobile video and Internet — all with deadly consequences, because there is no second chance if you meet a train on the tracks."
Primary funding for the spots comes through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration.
Georgia Operation Lifesaver coordinated the project, which includes bus shelter posters and airings of OL's "Distracted Pedestrian" PSA on digital screens inside MARTA trains.
In addition, "Distracted Pedestrians," a 30-second public service announcement, will appear through May on MARTA trains for riders to watch as they commute. The safety spot features a harried executive rushing to work, barking orders while sending last-minute instructions to employees via cell phone. He runs into other commuters and a street musician in his haste. Unfortunately, he ignores the oncoming train as well.
In the last decade more than 9,000 pedestrians have been injured or killed while walking on railroad tracks or rights of way, based on Federal Railroad Administration statistics.
More Rail

Amtrak, CN Reach Agreements to Strengthen Passenger Rail Service, Safety
The agreement resolves a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board concerning the terms and conditions for Amtrak services, such as the City of New Orleans, Illini/Saluki, and Wolverine.
Read More →
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →