The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Metrolink Bureau partnered with local law enforcement agencies to perform multiple railroad crossing enforcement events throughout Metrolink’s service area. The targeted enforcements are organized by Metrolink in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) in observation of Rail Safety Month in September.
“At Metrolink, safety is foundational and at the core of all we do, each and every day of the year,” said Frank Castellon, Metrolink’s chief safety, security, and compliance officer. “As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards of safety, we are committed to educating drivers and the public about the vital importance of being alert and avoiding dangerous behaviors around railroad tracks.”
Education, rather than punishment, is the primary purpose of the operation. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists must always be careful around trains and rail crossings.
“For the month, law enforcement arrested two trespassers and issued 19 citations,” said Sergeant James M. Eggers of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Metrolink Bureau. “By issuing warnings and citations for dangerous crossing violations, law enforcement can increase safety awareness and save lives.”
During Rail Safety Month and throughout the year, Metrolink is reminding riders, pedestrians, and motorists, that rail safety is everyone’s daily responsibility. In addition to participating in outreach events and conducting railroad crossing enforcements across Metrolink’s service area, Metrolink shared lifesaving safety tips through social media, on its website, and with its many community and business partners.
On Sept. 21, Metrolink hosted the 2022 Railroad Trespassing and Suicide Prevention Summit for transportation leaders to share knowledge and best practices about enhancing safety along the railroad. Keynote speakers included FRA Chief Counsel Allison Ishihara Fultz and CalSTA Secretary Toks Omishakin, while Board Chair Ara Najarian; Vice Chair Larry McCallon; and Board Members Kathryn Barger, Paul Krekorian, and Dr. Maria Morales served as speakers and moderators.
The summit featured subject matter experts from the Federal Railroad Administration, Metrolink, Operation Lifesaver, and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.
