Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) announced the recipient of its Transit Safety Pledge Grant, made possible by funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The $10,000 grant was awarded to Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), which will develop a new safety campaign for The Tide, a light rail service running through Norfolk, Virginia.

HRT will promote OLI’s Transit Safety Pledges for adults, children, and pre-readers sharing the life-saving rail safety education message and encouraging each group to sign a safety pledge, promising to make safe choices around tracks and trains.

Launching in early 2025, this replicable program targets key groups within the agency’s service area, focusing on transit riders, pedestrians and drivers.

"We hope other transit agencies across the country will embrace the Transit Safety Pledges with their riders, empowering individuals to take personal responsibility for their safety around trains and tracks,” said Rachel Maleh, OLI executive director. “With the FTA's continued support, we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this campaign on transit riders and their communities."

The goal is to build awareness and commitment to rail safety across all ages.

"FTA is guided by a primary goal of improving safety in American public transportation," said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. "Safety on and around rails is critical, wherever rail transit operates. We hope this grant will increase public awareness and bolster pledge signatures into the thousands."