Rail

Look, Listen, and Live!!!

Obey all rail traffic signs and signals. They are there for your safety, not as an inconvenience.
As you approach a railroad crossing, always expect a train. Trains can run on any track, at any time, from either direction.
Trains always have the right-of-way. All day, every day.
Never drive around lowered crossing gates. It is illegal and dangerous. Even if you can’t see the rail vehicle, that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming.
Never race a train to a crossing. You’ll always lose.
Trains can’t stop as quickly as you can. It takes 600 ft. (that’s two football fields!) for a train to stop.
Trains cannot swerve out of the way of pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles. It’s your responsibility to stay out of the way of the light rail and streetcar.
Cross tracks straight on when riding a bicycle. Cyclist must obey all traffic laws when at grade crossings.
Report all suspicious packages, activities, and/ or individuals on a train, at a station, or on the tracks.

Video on Pedestrian Safety

Only cross tracks at designated crosswalks. There are clearly marked signs showing you safe areas to cross the tracks.
Don’t stand on/near the tracks. Trains have an overhang and may still hit you even if you are not on the track.
Ensure you give yourself enough room for the crossing gate to come down in front of you. If you are too far forward, the gate could hit you or you could end up standing too close to the train. Use the textured warning strips as an indicator of where to stand.
Watch for signs and signals. There will be red flashing lights or a train warning symbol at the crossing to indicate a train is coming. These symbols always mean stop.
Never try to outrun the train or gate. When you see the gate coming down or the train warning symbol, stop; do not run across.
Never go onto the tracks and keep away from overhead wires – they may be electrified. If you drop something, alert a station agent, police officer or company personnel.
Trespassing on and around tracks is unlawful. That means you may be subject to criminal prosecution for being and remaining on or near the track without authorization.
Cross tracks at a right angle or walk your bike across.
Don’t let your smartphone be a distraction. Tracks are for trains, not selfies. Stay alert. Stay alive.

Egress Gates

ONLY in an emergency – not for everyday use.

So, remember:

Only use an egress during an emergency – not just so you can take a shortcut.
Pedestrian crossings are always available at every station and are the ONLY places to enter the platform or cross the tracks.
Always follow posted signs and signals. They’re there for your protection.
Using these gates improperly could result in getting hit by the train.
Exiting or entering the platform using the egress gate is considered trespassing, which is illegal.
If you're caught using an egress gate inappropriately, you could be ARRESTED and/or pay a fine.

Be sure to stop at the solid white line. Stopping behind the line will ensure there is enough space for the crossing gate to come down and not hit your vehicle.
Watch for the red flashing lights and train warning signs. Flashing lights should always be treated like a stop sign and provide warning of an incoming train.
Don’t try to speed through the intersection or you may get stuck in between the lowered gates across the intersection. These gates ensure that all traffic from all sides of the intersection remains off the tracks.
Never drive around lowered crossing gates. It is illegal and dangerous. Even if you can’t see the rail vehicle, that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming.
Do NOT proceed through the intersection until the gate arms are in their upright positions and the red lights have stopped flashing. If another train is approaching the intersection, the gate arms will come back down in the process of returning to their upright position.

Picture of streetcar on the street

For Cyclists:

Cross tracks at a right angle or walk your bike across. Cyclists are more likely to get their wheels stuck or crash when crossing the tracks at less than 90 degrees.

Picture of proper angle for a bicfycle to cross in street train tracks like streetcar.

Wet tracks can be slippery. Take caution. Sometimes, it's safer to walk your bike across.

Use the green bike boxes to make left turns. Never enter an intersections against the traffic signals

Picture of proper use of green boxes painted on streets for making left turns on bicycles around in street train rails.

Be aware of the door zone. This is the space occupied by an open door between moving vehicles and parked cars.

For Drivers:

Park your entire vehicle within the solid white parking lines. Incorrectly parked cars will be subject to a citation and towing.

Picture of improper on street parking along streetcar line

Look for streetcars before making a right turn at a red light. Streetcars are quiet and you may not hear them coming.

Do not attempt to pass a streetcar. The streetcar may block your line of sight. Be alert for people entering and exiting at all times.

Do not make a turn from the adjacent lane or center lane in front of the streetcar.