Innovative Safety Outreach

The second tier of Capital Metro’s Rail Safety Plan is an innovative outreach effort that will allow Capital Metro to craft and disseminate safety information in a grassroots marketing style. The innovative safety outreach is guided by a community advisory group know as the Grassroots Rail Outreach Working Group (GROW). The GROW Group is made up of educators, school officials, emergency responders and community leaders to increase safety awareness in schools, childcare centers, churches and recreation centers along the rail line.

The Innovative Safety Outreach effort uses Austin’s creative industries to build fun safety education messages and use our strong sense of volunteerism to catapult those messages into the community. Capital Metro is going above and beyond other transit agencies developing a unique Innovative Safety Outreach to complement Operation Lifesaver.

Initiatives from the Innovative Safety Outreach effort include the first Girl Scouts Rail Safety patch, a Cub Scouts Rail Safety Patch, a Youth-Public Service Announcement contest, a Spanish version Telenovela Public Service Announcement, a coloring book and much more.

Contact Us to Request a Free Presentation
Contact Capital Metro for more information about Capital MetroRail’s innovative safety outreach or to schedule a free Operation Lifesaver safety presentation.

Find out if you are near the tracks:

• Public Schools within one mile of the alignment
  • (Capital Metro is currently working with principals from schools nearest to the tracks to discuss fencing upgrades and safety outreach for the students and parents)
• Private and Charter schools within one mile of the alignment
• Child Care facilities within one mile of the alignment
• Places of Worship within one mile of the alignment

Rail Safety Outreach Materials
Bi-lingual safety flyer distributed to elementary students near the rail line. Front Back

Bi-lingual book covers distributed to all students near the rail line. Elementary Middle, High School

Commuter Train Testing FAQs

Capital Metro has begun testing the new commuter rail vehicles along a portion of the rail line. The testing marks a major milestone in the All Systems Go Plan that includes offering commuter rail service in fall 2008. Safety is a top priority at Capital Metro and we want to keep you informed about some changes taking place along our rail line as we prepare for MetroRail service.

When and where does the testing occur?
On weeknights, trains are tested from Capital Metro's Railcar Maintenance Facility near U.S. Hwy. 183 and Burnet Road to the area just south of the Gracy Farms crossing around 7 p.m. – 5 a.m. On weekends, trains are tested between Lamar Blvd. and Oak Creek just past the Parmer Lane overpass around 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

How fast will the trains travel during testing?
During initial testing, the trains will travel reach speeds of 20-45 mph and no more than 20 mph at crossings. Eventually, the trains will be tested at operational speeds of 20-75 mph. The train will only travel at higher speeds in areas along the rail line that are less populated by homes and businesses.

How much testing will be conducted by Capital Metro?
Capital Metro will conduct 1,000 miles of testing for each vehicle to ensure certain specifications and reliability. This requirement is part of Capital Metro’s vehicle acceptance program. In addition to Capital Metro’s testing requirements, the State of Texas requires an extensive list of tests to comply with Safety Certification, a Federal Transportation Administration requirement.

How will the testing affect me?
If you live in neighborhoods near the testing, you may see the train traveling back and forth frequently and notice it blow the horn at railroad crossings. If you travel overnight in the area of the testing, you may notice the train traveling more frequently at some crossings. These trains are faster and shorter than freight trains, so they will pass by more quickly.

Why does the train have to blow its horn?
Federal law requires trains to sound horns at crossings within these test areas. To minimize noise impact, Capital Metro is limiting its nighttime testing to a stretch of track that is farther away from residences. Also, Capital Metro is in the process of installing and upgrading advance warning signals and installing quad gates at many crossings along the rail line. These new and upgraded features allow Capital Metro to request quiet zones, which will permit the trains to pass crossings without blowing its horn.

How will Capital Metro ensure pedestrian and traffic safety during testing?
Before testing began, postcards were sent to the neighborhoods that would be affected by the testing. Capital Metro staff also block walked some of the neighborhoods to speak directly to residents about the testing. Capital Metro continues to keep the community and local media informed about rail testing and construction.

Rail Safety Tips

Your safety is in your hands. Below are important tips that can save your life.

When you're in a vehicle...

• Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection. Freight trains do not travel on a predictable schedule and commuter trains schedules change.
• Any time is train time - Always look and listen for a train when you cross railroad tracks and if a train goes by at a multiple track crossing, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching in either direction.
• Be aware of the 4 foot hazard zone on either of side of the tracks– stay back behind the stop line at least 15 feet from the tracks when waiting for a train.
• Never stop your vehicle on railroad tracks. It is illegal to stop a vehicle on railroad tracks.

  

• Don't begin to cross the tracks until you have enough clearance to complete move across the tracks. If you stall or get stuck, get everyone out immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from. Call your local law enforcement agency for assistance.
• Do not get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.
• Trains can't stop quickly, so it’s up to you to stay off the tracks and yield to trains.
• Trains can't swerve, so it's up to you to stay off the tracks.
  

  

• Be careful turning from a parallel road to cross train tracks – that's how many collisions are happening.
• Always obey all traffic signs and signals; at grade crossings the train has the right of way –; look both ways before crossing.
• Never race a train to a crossing –if it's a tie, you lose; isn't your life worth a few extra minutes to wait for the train
?
• Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and deadly. If the gate is down, the road is closed. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency.
• Remember: Many vehicles are required to stop at all rail crossings.
• Train tracks are private property, no matter which railroad owns them. Trains have the right of way 100% of the time — over ambulances, fire engines, cars, the police and pedestrians.
• Trains are quieter than you might think, commuter rail trains are much quieter than freight trains
.

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When you’re on a motorcycle or bike…

• Be sure to cross tracks at a 90 degree angle - and follow all the above safety rules as well.

When you're walking...

• Always stop, look, and listen for trains before crossing the tracks and be sure to look both ways.
• Don't stand on the tracks or step in front of a train - the operator may not see you or be able to stop in time.
• Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property and trespassers are subject to arrest and fine.
• Never walk down a train track; it's illegal and it's dangerous. It can take a mile or more to stop a FREIGHT train, so by the time an engineer can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
• Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all warning signs and signals. The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing. When you cross train tracks look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember that it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail. If you cross at any other place, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined.
• Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions and loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are in the right-of-way next to the tracks, you can be hit by the train.
• Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions.
• Flashing red lights signal that a train is approaching from either direction. You can be fined for failure to obey these signals. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing. Stay Alive! DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so.
• DO NOT hunt, fish or bungee jump from railroad trestles. There is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass. Trestles are not meant to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges!
• DO NOT attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb or your life
.
• Be aware trains do not follow set schedules. Any Time is Train Time!
• Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks or rights-of-way or through tunnels.

If you have children...

• Talk to them about MetroRail - teach them the importance of crossing the tracks safely - "Stop, look and listen" is an important message for them to understand.
• Make sure that everyone in your family knows all these safety rules.
• Hold children's hands when crossing the street.
• Hold on to your child when a train or bus approaches.
• Schedule a time to show your children railroad tracks, the areas where it is safe to be, and those where it is not safe.

If you are a kid...

• Don't ever walk, play, skate or ride your bike on or around the train tracks.
• Never walk in a construction area.
• Be safe and help others to be safe around the train tracks.

Overview

As the commuter rail becomes operational, Capital Metro is dedicated to the safety of passengers and the general public near the rail line.

Capital Metro knows that many places of work, worship, education, and play are very near the track. Capital Metro is taking a three pronged approach to ensuring the safety of our community. The first is physical rail safety, the second is a national standard of rail safety education, and the third is an innovative safety outreach effort.

Safety Initiatives

Capital MetroRail will run on 32-miles of existing freight tracks between Leander and Downtown Austin. At times the commuter trains will reach speeds of 75 mph. These trains are much quieter and faster than the freight trains that currently travel along the rail line.

Capital Metro is committed to maintaining a high level of safety on and around the tracks. Some of Capital Metro’s safety initiatives include:

• Installing appropriate signal systems, also known as quad gates, in the area from US 183 to Downtown and Cedar Park to Leander.
• Going above and beyond to install quad gates compared to other cities and railroads.
• Upgrading the rail line to continuously welded rail.
• Installing chain link fencing to prevent pedestrian and auto accidents along the rail line.
• Upgrading pavement markings and installing more warning signage at crossings.

Additionally, emergency responders will be educated through a variety of outreach methods. The Capital Metro Rail Division works with emergency responders from Travis and Williamson Counties to ensure that our local emergency responders are educated on the situations and possible risks associated with railroad right-of-way issues, MetroRail, freight, and other train equipment, evacuation techniques, and many other possibly lifesaving techniques.

Operation Lifesaver

Safety Outreach and Education

Capital Metro has developed a two-tier Rail Safety Outreach and Education Plan that includes a national program and a grassroots approach.

The first tier of Capital Metro’s safety education effort is the national safety outreach program known as Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit, international continuing public education program first established in 1972 to end collisions, deaths and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks, and on railroad rights-of-way. Operation Lifesaver programs are sponsored cooperatively by federal, state, and local government agencies; highway safety organizations, and the nation’s railroads.

Capital MetroRail works in conjunction with Operation Lifesaver to provide safety presentations to schools, senior centers, scout troops, museums, churches, and many other groups and locations in order to educate the public about railway safety and increase awareness around railroad tracks.

Elementary Safety Presentation