Metra, the Chicago area commuter rail service, will conduct Operation Lifesaver (OLI) Safety Blitzes at 58 train stations across the region in 2020 to raise awareness for safety around its trains and tracks.
“Safety is always Metra’s highest priority,” said Jim Derwinski, Metra CEO and executive director. “These safety blitzes allow us to reach our customers directly to ensure that they understand the need to stay vigilant about safety around the railroad.”
During the blitzes, Metra safety employees will be at one of the commuter railroad’s stations during the morning commute. The employees will distribute educational materials about train and grade crossing safety, show a video on grade crossing safety, and answer questions and listen to commuters’ safety concerns. Local police and fire officials are invited to participate. The Metra Police Department will also conduct additional enforcement blitzes where citations and warnings will be issued to pedestrians and drivers who ignore gates and warning devices.
Metra conducts hundreds of free OLI presentations annually to schools, community groups, school bus drivers, professional truck drivers, emergency responders and other organizations throughout the region.