News
See Tracks? Think Train Campaign
Every three hours, someone is injured or killed trying to beat a train somewhere in the United States. The
majority of these type of accidents can be prevented and lives could be saved if pedestrians and motorists
would just stop and wait for the train to pass. More than half of all injuries and fatalities occur when adults or
children trespass on railroad tracks.
Metro’s top priority is the safety of its customers and transit operators. To help educate passengers and
St. Louis area residents who come in contact with the MetroLink light rail system, Metro teamed up with
Operation Lifesaver for safety campaigns in Illinois and Missouri. Metro has received two grants totaling
more than $12,000 to help fund the “See Tracks? Think Train” campaign in the St. Louis region.
In September, Metro was awarded a Transit Safety Education grant from Operation Lifesaver for $7,500 that
required Metro to contribute $2,500, bringing the total to $10,000. That “See Tracks? Think Train” safety
campaign will be implemented next spring and the funds will be used to educate MetroLink customers at the
Rock Road, UMSL South, UMSL North, Fairview Heights, North Hanley and Wellston MetroLink Stations.
In May, Operation Lifesaver awarded Metro a grant in the amount of $5,000. Since then, “See Tracks?
Think Train” awareness messages have been placed on the windows of MetroLink trains and signs installed
at the Delmar Loop, Grand and Civic Center MetroLink Stations.
Metro has several employees who go out into the community to present Operation Lifesaver programs.
The goal is to raise awareness and to educate children, families and individuals about the dangers of
playing or walking on railroad tracks, driving around the crossing gates, and not crossing the tracks unless it
is at a designated crossing area. If you would like to schedule a presentation, call the Metro Safety
Department at 314-982-1400.
About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rail safety public education. It along with federal safety agencies,
the nation’s railroads, and others launched the “See Tracks? Think Train” safety campaign as a way to raise awareness about
dangerous pedestrian and driver behavior around railroad tracks. For more information, visit www.oli.org.
About Bi-State Development Agency
The Bi-State Development Agency/Metro (BSDA/Metro) is the operator of the Metro public transportation system for the St.
Louis region, which includes the 87 vehicle, 46-mile MetroLink light rail system; 390 MetroBus vehicle fleet that operates on 75
MetroBus routes; and Metro Call‑A‑Ride, a paratransit fleet of 120 vans. BSDA/Metro also owns and operates St. Louis
Downtown Airport and its surrounding industrial business park, and the Gateway Arch Riverboats, as well as operates the
Gateway Arch Revenue Collections Center, the Gateway Arch Transportation System, and the Gateway Arch Parking Facility.