Metro officials will continue a monthlong rail safety campaign Wednesday aimed at discouraging train surfing and other dangerous behavior around trains and tracks.
The agency said it continues to see incidents involving people riding on the outside of trains, between rail cars or behind trains, or standing on couplers, a practice commonly known as train surfing.
“Everyone deserves to get where they’re going safely, and Rail Safety Month is an opportunity to remind Angelenos that a few simple choices can save lives,” Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said.
Metro released a new animated “Safetyville” video Tuesday highlighting the dangers of train surfing and other unsafe behavior around trains. The agency plans to promote the video throughout September on YouTube,
Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
“We all have a role to play in creating a safer transit experience,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “Public awareness is a big part of safety, and with our new ‘Never Train Surf’ video, we’re educating riders about the serious dangers of unsafe behavior around trains and reinforcing the simple actions that can help keep everyone safe.”
Rail safety messages will also appear in English and Spanish at select Metro rail stations and bus stops and on wrapped light-rail trains operating along the A, E and K lines, according to Metro.
Officials said the agency will participate in community events throughout Los Angeles County during the month to promote rail safety.
Among the precautions Metro is urging riders to take are staying behind the yellow line on platforms, looking both ways before crossing tracks, never walking on tracks or going around lowered gates, and avoiding running to catch trains.
The agency also advised riders to remove headphones and pull down hoodies near tracks and trains and to refrain from riding bicycles, scooters or skateboards on platforms.
Motorists were reminded to stop behind limit lines, obey signals and never make illegal left turns in front of approaching trains.
Metro’s Rail Safety Education Program provides year-round community workshops, school presentations and travel orientations in neighborhoods along the A, E and K lines.