At Caltrain, safety is always our number one priority. Accidents on the tracks are always preventable by paying attention and observing a few rail safety tips. Help us spread awareness about rail safety during Rail Safety Month by sharing your favorite tips on social media with #CaltrainSafe.
If you encounter an emergency on Caltrain or see something suspicious or hazardous, call the Transit Police at 877.SAF.RAIL (877.723.7245). If you want to report something that isn’t an emergency, call Caltrain Customer Service at 800.660.4287.
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Caltrain Safety Fast Facts:
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A typical Caltrain train can take almost a mile to stop, even when emergency brakes are applied.
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It’s never safe to stop closer than 15 feet from the rails, and a train is at least three feet wider than tracks on both sides.
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95% of all rail-related deaths involve drivers trying to beat a train, or people trespassing on railroad tracks.
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274 pedestrians were injured or killed while walking on or near railroad tracks in 2022, including 43 in California.
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Only cross Caltrain tracks at designated crossings and when it is safe to do so. While it might not be the quickest route, it is the safest. Crossing around the pedestrian gates is a violation of a safety rule, not to mention dangerous. Caltrain conductors have the authority to deny boarding to anyone caught violating any of the Caltrain safety rules. This includes skateboarding and riding your bike on the platform.
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Even though it might look as if it is moving rather slowly, Caltrain reaches a top speed of 79 miles per hour. At that speed, the train can cover the length of a football field in less than three seconds.
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Never drive onto a railroad crossing until you are sure the traffic ahead has left enough space to drive across without boxing you in. Do not shift gears while driving across the tracks. If your vehicle stalls on the grade crossing, immediately get everyone out and get off the tracks. Call 911 or 1.877.SAF.RAIL (1.877.723.7245) to report the situation.
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Caltrain’s new electric infrastructure carries up to 25,000 volts. As such, you should never interfere with the overhead wires and avoid any downed wires you see. This is another important reason to never be on the tracks other than at a designated crossing, as a downed wire could energize another object such as a rail or fence without your knowledge, making them highly dangerous.
Kari Byron, of Mythbusters, is here to bust some rail safety myths and let you know how to be Caltrain Safe.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Many people who are injured or killed on our tracks are in a state of temporary, yet serious, crisis. Caltrain is proud to partner with local suicide prevention agencies in order to keep our tracks and the public safe. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please take advantage of these resources.
Safety and Electrification
With the electrification of Caltrain come new safety risks, learn more about how to stay safe on the new and improved Caltrain.
"Don't Shortcut Life" Safety Campaign
Safety tips and information from the "Don’t Shortcut Life" campaign.
Safety Brochure:
Download the pamphlet we distribute at safety seminars.(PDF, 291KB)
Earthquake's Effect on Caltrain Service
The magnitude of an earthquake defines how Caltrain service may be impacted.
Operation Lifesaver
Non-profit, international continuing public education program first established in 1972 to end collisions, deaths and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks, and on railroad rights-of-way.