MBTA PILOTS
NAVILENS TECHNOLOGY

Keolis Commuter Services, the operating partner for MBTA Commuter Rail, has introduced a pilot to test NaviLens at North Station and Salem Station. The technology, which allows passengers who are blind or low vision to navigate the stations with a smartphone app, will be on demonstration as part of a Commuter Rail Summit technical tour Wednesday, October 16.

When riders scan brightly colored QR-style codes posted in the stations, the NaviLens app will then help them find the correct platform, provide real-time train information, and guide them to exits or other landmarks with audio navigation and haptic feedback.

"The MBTA welcomes and supports every opportunity to make our system easier to access, especially for riders who depend on it most. The ability to access our commuter rail stations with confidence further supports riders’ independence, and we look forward to the deployment of this innovative technology pilot in additional stations soon.” - MBTA GM/CEO Phillip Eng.

METROLINK CHAMPIONS RAIL SAFETY
WITH COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

As an engaged proponent of Rail Safety Month, held annually in September, Metrolink is ramping up efforts to raise awareness and promote safe behaviors near railroad tracks and at crossings throughout Southern California. Rail Safety Month is an opportunity to highlight year-round initiatives and bring increased attention to the importance of following safety protocols around railways.

“At Metrolink, we actively choose safety every day,” Metrolink Interim Chief Safety, Security and Compliance Officer Tim Morehead said. “During Rail Safety Month, we want to help community members who interact with our system adopt a similar mindset and develop good habits to keep them safe near railroad tracks. Throughout the month, we’ll be educating passengers as well as drivers, pedestrians and cyclists about critical safety practices. We want people to stay off phones, listen attentively and adhere to posted signage. By making it easier for others to choose safety, we can prevent tragedies and save lives.”

According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, last year, California recorded 172 highway-rail crossing collisions, ranking second in the nation. California led the country in rail trespassing casualties with 190 deaths and 134 injuries reported. The five counties in which Metrolink primarily operates accounted for 33% of incidents involving trespassers statewide. Trespassing along the rail right of way, including walking on tracks or crossing in unauthorized areas as a shortcut to reach a destination, is dangerous and illegal.

To combat these and other rail safety incidents, Metrolink is launching a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at helping community members recognize and counteract the dangers of active train systems.

Rail Safety Month is an extension of Operation Lifesaver’s national See Tracks? Think Train® Week, which will take place Sept. 23-29. This year, Metrolink is partnering with schools, community groups, law enforcement and other transportation agencies on a variety of initiatives designed to deter unsafe activity and promote good decision-making, including:

• School partnerships: Metrolink is working with middle schools and high schools located within 500 feet of railroad tracks to deliver critical educational experiences for local youth.

• Targeted enforcements: The LASD, Metrolink Bureau, and local law enforcement agencies will conduct weekly enforcement operations to correct unsafe behaviors, such as bypassing activated crossing gates, and educate the public on the importance of safe conduct near railroad tracks.

• Rail Safety: Los Angeles Event: On Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22, Metrolink will join the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society, Amtrak and LA Metro at Union Station for the largest railroad safety event in downtown Los Angeles in more than a decade. The free event will feature the historic Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive and modern Metrolink equipment, including a rail car with a safety-inspired vinyl wrap, providing a fun and educational opportunity for attendees to learn about the dos and don’ts of rail safety.

• Operation Clear Track: On Tuesday, Sept. 24, members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Metrolink Bureau, and San Bernardino County Sherriff’s Department will participate in this nationwide educational campaign that brings hundreds of first responders together with community members virtually and in person.

• Red Out for Rail Safety: To raise awareness and promote solidarity, Metrolink encourages staff, member agency partners and customers to wear red on Friday, Sept. 27 in support of Red Out for Rail Safety Day and post to social media using the hashtag #RedOutforRailSafety.

• Caltrain releases electric trains service schedule (Mass Transit)

• VPRA Board advances agreement with Norfolk Southern Corporation to purchase Manassas Line, gain access to N-Line (Mass Transit)

• SEPTA Launching Restored Rail Services (Metro Magazine)

• Government denies railroads’ joint request to operate without PTC technology (Transportation Today)

• New MBTA reduced fare program to open to the public on Wednesday (Boston.com)

• Virginia Passenger Rail Authority votes to advance new deal expanding rail services (WRIC)