Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Marks Rail Safety Month With Awareness Drive

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner supports Rail Safety Month campaign. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is observing Rail Safety Month during the month of September by teaming up with California Operation Lifesaver to spread awareness and promote safe behaviors around train tracks throughout Southern California communities.

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The State of California still registers the highest number of railroad-connected fatalities inside the United States, predominantly caused by trespassing and grade-crossing accidents. For that reason, the effort focuses on prevention, outreach, and greater community engagement.

Rail Safety Month campaign details

The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, which is responsible for the service, is also collaborating with California Operation Lifesaver to deliver targeted safety messages. Meanwhile, ads on the internet, school-zone signage, and community outreach seek to reach both the commuting public as well as residents.

In addition, free online materials such as family activities, safety presentations, and lesson plans are available on PacificSurfliner.com/RailSafety. These can be utilized to educate the young public and provide regular information to teachers and parents.

Historical background of Amtrak Pacific Surfliner safety campaigns

The service has been a strong supporter of Rail Safety Month since at least 2019, when it began events with the Los Angeles Angels. Since then, annual campaigns have included outreach at schools, stadiums, and on-line media.

In 2021, the campaign extended further into online materials, and in 2023 it initiated “Operation Safe Surfs.” By 2025, the campaign advanced to geotargeted ads and on-site safety signs at LOSSAN corridor schools.

Though the overall campaign results are rarely publicized, LOSSAN has taken APTA AdWheel awards for public outreach campaigns. FRA statistics also show a general decline of U.S. rail incidents, including San Diego County seeing a localized spike in 2024.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner supports community collaborations

It is the country’s second busiest US intercity rail corridor with 41 adjoining stations and nearly 4.5 million riders annually. But greater ridership also brings more demands on public outreach efforts concerning safety of conduct nearest tracks.

LOSSAN Board of Directors Chair Fred Jung emphasized the importance of partnership: “Safety of the public is our number one priority. We are proud to partner with California Operation Lifesaver to disseminate the message throughout Southern California.”

Rail safety statistics and facts

In 2024, California recorded 185 grade-crossing collisions, with 50 fatalities and 49 injuries — the highest number of deaths nationwide. Texas had more collisions overall (283), but fewer deaths (20).

Trespassing remains a top priority: California recorded 310 fatalities in 2024 (185 killed, 125 hurt), dwarfing the figure for Texas (130) and Florida (95). FRA statistics across the country record 2,257 grade-crossing collisions and 1,438 trespasser fatalities.

Meanwhile, San Diego County experienced a record 30 track-based fatalities in 2024, highlighting the reason Pacific Surfliner is still investing in targeted initiatives and collaborations.

Source: www.morningstar.com

Why has Amtrak Pacific Surfliner started the Rail Safety Month campaign?

The initiative aims to reduce grade crossing and trespassing by raising awareness, public education, and by promoting safety behaviors along rail lines.

How do passengers remain secure around train tracks?

Passengers should cross only at the authorized crossroads, obey the warning notices, be away from distractions such as headsets, and be behind lines on platforms when waiting for the trains.

With whom is Amtrak Pacific Surfliner collaborating during Rail Safety Month?

LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency and California Operation Lifesaver lead the effort, providing digital outreach, school signing, and online safety information to families and communities.

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