OAKLAND,
Calif., Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Capitol
Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), California Operation
Lifesaver (CAOL), Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), Amtrak, and other
rail partners launched September Rail Safety Month with a special
safety train event in Oakland
today. The mission is to raise awareness and promote rail safety
tips in and around railroad tracks and crossings.
"The safety of our passengers is our number one priority, said
Managing Director Rob Padgette.
"Capitol Corridor is working closely with cities and counties long
our entire route to prevent incidents at railroad crossings,
especially those between Oakland
and Hayward."
City officials and representatives from Oakland, San
Leandro, and Hayward
traveled onboard the train to witness firsthand, the areas where
innovative safety initiatives are most needed in these
communities.
"No one can do it alone," said Nancy
Sheehan-McCulloch, Executive Director, California Operation
Lifesaver. "You can help save lives and stop track tragedies. Share
rail safety tips with your loved ones. It takes all of us working
together to impact change. Every month is Rail Safety
Month."
In 2009, the California State Legislature proclaimed and
presented the September Rail Safety Month proclamation to
California Operation Lifesaver and its rail safety partners. Since
then, rail safety partners have joined forces to raise awareness
and save lives.
"Union Pacific cares about the communities we serve," said
Peggy Ygbuhay, Sr. Director, Public
Affairs at Union Pacific Railroad. "Rail Safety Month is a great
time to reset habits – never try to beat a train and use designated
crossings when walking over the tracks. We want everyone to go home
safely and won't be satisfied until we reach our ultimate goal of
zero incidents or injuries." For more community safety tips, visit
UP.com/Safety.
Amtrak, Union Pacific Railroad police, and local law enforcement
from multiple jurisdictions participated in the event, both on the
train and from the ground. They issued warnings and citations to
motorists and pedestrians who failed to adhere to traffic signs and
signals at railroad crossings.
"We have come together across the industry to raise awareness
and educate the public on how to keep themselves, friends, and
families safe near railroad tracks and crossings," said Amtrak
Police Department Inspector Doug
Calcagno. "Rail Safety is a team effort. As we continue to
grow, the best resource to address track incidents is to come
together as one."
Throughout September, Capitol Corridor and its rail partners
will continue to engage in a range of activities to promote rail
safety, including public awareness campaigns, educational
workshops, and safety demonstrations.
About CCJPA and the Capitol Corridor®
Managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), the
Capitol Corridor is an intercity rail service connecting the most
economically vibrant urban centers in Northern California – from Sacramento to Silicon Valley, and including
San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. With free Wi-i Fi on board, Capitol
Corridor trains provide a convenient, reliable, and comfortable
alternative to the congested I-80, I-680, and I-880 freeways for
more than 700,000 passengers a year. For more information, visit
www.capitolcorridor.org. Contact: Vernaé Graham, Capitol
Corridor
About California Operation Lifesaver
California
Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) is an independent non-profit rail safety
education and awareness program dedicated to ending collisions,
fatalities, and injuries on and around railroad tracks and at
highway-rail grade crossings. We are committed to raising rail
safety awareness through various outreach methods, including
in-person and virtual presentations. CAOL educates the public on
making good decisions around railroad tracks to stay safe and avoid
preventable tragedies.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and
businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service.
Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers
and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most
environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union
Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union
Pacific is available at www.up.com.
About Amtrak®
For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized
train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to
reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of
Canada, Amtrak provides travelers
with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check
train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app.
Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on X, Instagram,
Facebook and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority
