METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Op. Lifesaver video offers commuter rail safety tips

The three-and-a-half minute video will be used by OL's trained volunteers during free safety presentations in their communities via computers or iPads. It will also be available on the nonprofit's website.

September 18, 2012
2 min to read


What do smart commuters know? Rail safety nonprofit Operation Lifesaver (OL) is helping people answer that question with a new animated video for light and commuter rail passengers that prepares them to use rail transit systems safely every day. The American Public Transportation Association estimates that the number of commuters is rising 3.5% each year.

“We developed ‘What Smart Commuters Know,’ a fast-paced, fun new digital tool to help riders understand the importance of avoiding distraction on their daily commute, whether on a subway, light rail, or commuter rail system,” said Operation Lifesaver President Helen M. Sramek. “You can forward the video via email or share it with your friends on Facebook,” she added.

Ad Loading...

Operation Lifesaver Education and Training Director Wende Corcoran noted that “What Smart Commuters Know” is a versatile educational tool. “This three-and-a-half minute video will be used by our trained volunteers during free safety presentations in their communities via computers or iPads. It will also be available on our website for viewing by the general public.”

The video was developed through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration. OL has partnered with the agency for several years on campaigns to educate commuters about safety precautions that must be taken around transit systems including commuter and light rail, street cars, trolleys and buses. OL completed safety campaigns this summer with the Memphis, Tenn.; Denton, Texas; and Atlanta transit agencies and is currently planning additional campaigns for the fall.

Learn more about the video and OL’s work on transit safety at www.oli.org/passengerrail. You can also access the digital presentation at http://bit.ly/StviYU.

More Rail

Local, Federal, State, and LA Metro officials at the opening of the D Line.
Railby StaffMay 10, 2026

LA Metro Opens D Line Extension

The only new subway opening in the US this year, the D Line Extension represents one of Metro’s top transit priorities and a historic milestone for Los Angeles, with Sections 2 and 3 set to open in 2027.

Read More →
Governor Moore in a ceremony placing the last track
Railby StaffMay 8, 2026

Maryland Governor Installs Final Purple Line Rail During Tour

The moment marks the completion of 193,100 feet of track linking Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Read More →
PATCO's New Control Center
Managementby StaffMay 7, 2026

PATCO Opens New Operations Control Center

The new center serves as the central hub for monitoring and managing PATCO train operations, communications, customer service coordination, incident response, and overall operational oversight across the transit system.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
VIA Rail Canada logo
Railby StaffMay 7, 2026

VIA Rail reports Stable Ridership, Rising Revenue Amid Ongoing Challenges

Despite these pressures, VIA Rail is reporting that total revenues increased to $514.8 million as more travelers took advantage of the wide range of options available through the corporation’s new reservation system.

Read More →
SEPTA's advertisement for multi-rider feature.
Technologyby StaffMay 7, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Introduces Multi-Rider Feature for Contactless Payments

Up until now, this feature was only available when using a SEPTA Key card.

Read More →
A Waev Gem vehicle with a ramp deployed.

ABC Teams with Waev, Knorr-Bremse in Boston Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Books with graduation mortar board
Managementby StaffMay 6, 2026

New Chicago Scholarship Program Targets Student Pathways to Construction Careers

Created in partnership with Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners, the contractor for CTA’s historic $5.7 billion RLE project, the new $250,000 scholarship program will provide three students a year from 2026 to 2030 with $3,000 scholarships.

Read More →
Steve Goodreau
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 6, 2026

Trackless Rapid Transit: Hype or Viable Option?

Steve Goodreau of WSP explores the technology’s promise, limitations and where it may fit in the evolving transit landscape.

Read More →
Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Education logo over railroad tracks background, representing rail safety awareness initiatives.
Railby News/Media ReleaseMay 4, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States

Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →