Metra accepts rail safety grant

Metra announced Aug. 13 that it has accepted a grant to improve rail safety awareness throughout the Chicago area.

The grant was funded by Operation Lifesaver in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration. This is just one grant of several that amount to a total of more than $200,000. These are part of 13 state Operation Lifesaver programs that are dedicated to a wide range of highway-rail grade crossing safety public education projects. The programs fit under the overarching umbrella of the public awareness campaign: “See Tracks? Think Train!”

Thanks to the grant program, Metra accepted $20,000. These finances will be dedicated to creating and distributing banners with the campaign slogan “See Tracks? Think Train!” The banners will be posted on electronic signs in Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center as well as on the outside of commuter rail cars.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. has also given grants to other organizations in Georgia, California, Indiana, Idaho, Ohio, Oregon, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, South Carolina, Utah, Texas and Wisconsin. The organization uses a competitive process to evaluate the proposals that are submitted to it. A panel of safety experts determine which projects receive the grants.

“Increasing public awareness of the importance of safe behaviors near railroad tracks and crossings is a never-ending process,” Don Orseno, Metra executive director/CEO, said. “We have long partnered with Operation Lifesaver to champion safety and we’re pleased to receive this grant in support of these efforts.”