FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OCTA Marks Rail Safety Month Reminding People to Always Keep Clear and Stay Safe Near Tracks
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – The Orange County Transportation Authority, in partnership with CA Operation Lifesaver, Metrolink, Amtrak and local law enforcement, recognizes Rail Safety Month with a series of outreach efforts designed to keep people safe around railroad tracks.
“Since joining the LOSSAN board, I’m shocked by the increasing number of rail related injuries and fatalities. Safety demands shared responsibility by all when near our railroad tracks, including notifying appropriate authorities if you see someone at risk,” said OCTA Board Director and Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley. “This month, we renew efforts to ensure everyone – whether traveling by train, car, bike, or on foot – remains alert and safe near tracks. Through strong collaboration and critical infrastructure improvements, we prevent tragedies and protect lives.”
A highlight of the campaign will be a special safety outreach event in Santa Ana, where OCTA staff and safety partners will distribute educational materials and talk directly with passengers about how to prevent rail-related tragedies.
Join the Rail Safety Event
- 7 a.m.-10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18
- Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana
- Grab safety giveaways, snacks for the commute, and spin the prize wheel. Also, enter for a chance to win free Metrolink tickets.
California leads the nation in rail-related fatalities, with incidents caused both by trespassing on tracks and collisions at grade crossings. Safety leaders say these deaths and injuries are preventable through a combination of public awareness, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements.
Throughout Rail Safety Month, OCTA is sharing key safety reminders:
- Always look both ways and obey signals before crossing tracks.
- Never walk under or around lowered crossing gates.
- Avoid distractions such as headphones and mobile devices near tracks.
- Remember that trains are faster and closer than they appear and cannot stop quickly.
OCTA’s rail safety commitment extends beyond education with a long-term, ongoing commitment to infrastructure projects that enhance safety, with enhancements to railroad crossings and grade separations that allow cars, cyclists, and pedestrians to cross above or below railroad tracks.
In addition to the pop-up event, OCTA’s Rail Safety Month activities include distribution of educational materials in schools and community centers, digital campaigns, and partnerships with cities and law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement and visibility at crossings.
To report crossing emergencies, contact 1-888-446-9721. For more information on rail safety and upcoming events, visit www.octa.net/railsafety.
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee, Regional Transportation Committee, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel,
Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,
Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees, Ocean Institute, Orange County Community Corrections
Partnership (OCCCP), Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection Agency,
and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
