Boston MBTA Joins Rail Safety Week to Protect Riders
MBTA participates in Rail Safety Week through Sept. 21 with 'See Tracks, Think Train' campaign
MBTA Joins Rail Safety Week Campaign
Boston-area transit riders will see increased safety messaging this week as the MBTA joins a nationwide rail safety campaign. Rail Safety Week runs through September 21, with MassDOT, MBTA, Keolis, Transit Police, and Massachusetts Operation Lifesaver promoting the 'See Tracks, Think Train' initiative, transit officials said Monday. The organizations are conducting educational initiatives throughout the week, though specific event details weren't immediately available.
National Campaign Addresses Crossing Safety
Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a nonprofit authorized by Congress, develops the annual Rail Safety Week campaign to reduce collisions at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights-of-way. Approximately 2,000 collisions occur at highway-rail grade crossings annually in the United States, according to Federal Railroad Administration data. The campaign brings together transit agencies and safety advocates nationwide to promote awareness during the third week of September each year. Officials said the partnership approach helps reach residents and visitors throughout the Greater Boston area.
Campaign Emphasizes Core Safety Messages
The 'See Tracks, Think Train' campaign focuses on four critical safety behaviors, according to participating organizations. Officials said riders should always expect a train, never try to beat a train at a crossing, obey all railroad signs and signals, and stay off tracks unless at a designated crossing. Phillip Eng, MBTA General Manager and CEO, oversees the agency's participation in the safety initiative. While national statistics show the ongoing need for rail safety education, Massachusetts-specific recent incident data wasn't available by publication time.
Week-Long Initiative Runs Through Saturday
The safety awareness campaign launched Monday, September 15, and continues through Saturday, September 21. Transit Police Department officers are participating alongside MBTA staff and Keolis Commuter Services personnel in the educational efforts. Officials didn't provide specific locations or times for safety events during the week. Rail Safety Week is observed annually by transit agencies, railroads, and safety organizations across the United States, typically during September.
Riders Encouraged to Practice Safe Behaviors
Transit officials said the campaign aims to prevent accidents through education and awareness rather than enforcement. Riders can expect to see safety messaging at stations, on trains, and at grade crossings throughout the Greater Boston area during the week. The participating organizations emphasized that simple behavioral changes—like stopping at crossings and staying alert near tracks—can prevent tragedies. Moovit provides real-time updates for MBTA commuter rail and subway routes throughout the Boston area.
