Rail & Light Rail Safety
At NJ TRANSIT, we are committed to ensuring the safety of all our passengers and the public. Whether you’re commuting or traveling for leisure, it’s crucial to stay informed about rail and light rail safety practices. Click HERE to access our comprehensive safety brochure, “Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility,” which provides essential tips and guidelines to help you stay safe around our rail systems. Remember, your vigilance can make a difference!
Safety Tips
- Trespassing: It's Not Worth the Risk
- Trains Can't Stop Quickly
- Trains Can't Swerve
- Stay Alert Near Tracks
- Cross Tracks Only at Designated Locations
- Never go around crossing gates that are down, on foot or in a car
- Stay Away from Overhead Electrical Wires
- Never Throw Items at Trains or onto Tracks
- Watch the Gap between the train & the platform
Grade Crossings
Help us keep you and your community safe around grade crossings. If you notice a problem or dangerous condition at a grade crossing such as a car stuck on the tracks or a malfunctioning crossing gate, immediately contact NJ TRANSIT Police at (800) 242-0236.
Look for a blue sign posted near the crossing that displays NJ TRANSIT's Police contact number, a U.S. Department of Transportation crossing identification number, and the street name. Report your observations as well as the information included on the sign to the Police.
Be familiar with these signs - you could save a life.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, trips and falls are the major cause of unintentional injuries when traveling by train. According to the National Safety Council, slips, trips and falls account for approximately 8.9 million visits to emergency rooms each year (2011 NSC Injury Facts). Situational awareness is essential in preventing these types of injuries. If you see an unsafe condition, please report the information to an NJ TRANSIT representative or contact us through our website at Contact Us. This will help us to correct the unsafe condition as quickly as possible.
- Be alert of hazards that can cause slips, trips and falls.
- If the walking surface is slippery, try to avoid it. If you can't avoid it, take short, wide steps.
- Don't run. Use handrails on stairways at stations as well as on trains.
- Watch out for others who may be distracted.
- Stay alert!
Situational Awareness
Your safety is our priority, so please remain alert and aware of your surroundings when you ride in the NJ TRANSIT network. Though threats to riders are rare, they do happen. Every dangerous situation is unique and requires an appropriate response. That is to say, there is no one-size-fits-all response to immediate danger.
Situational awareness includes these three essential actions:
- Recognition – Noticing something unusual that could be a threat.
- Assessment – Analyzing the situation and considering your response options.
- Response – Taking direct action to increase the chances of survival and minimize harm
It is essential for all members of the public to practice situational awareness. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of all activities, allowing for the assessment of potential threats.
Let's travel together safely!