Safety tips for Northstar Line
commuter rail service
Northstar Commuter Rail will be very safe, but living and working around commuter rail trains and tracks requires all community members to pay attention, obey warning signs and comply with safety barriers.
Remember that freight trains and Northstar Commuter Rail trains will share BNSF Railway tracks, so train traffic will be more frequent and unpredictable than the times listed on Northstar’s schedule. Follow the links below to find out how to stay alert and stay safe on the Northstar Line.
|
|
Safety near commuter rail stations
• Remember that Northstar commuter rail stations will not be open for service until late 2009. Until then, stay clear.
• Trains can come on any track, at any time, from either direction. Never assume you know when and where to expect a train.
• Cross tracks only at designated crossings, and look both ways before crossing.
• Slow down and be alert near stations. Watch for trains, pedestrians, bicyclists, buses and cars.
Safety on the station platform
• While waiting for the train, stay well away from the edge of the platform. You may lose your balance or slip and fall onto the tracks.
• Note that freight trains share tracks with Northstar trains. Freight trains travel at up to 60 mph and are not required to slow down when passing through Northstar stations.
• Listen for bells and horns. They alert you to an oncoming train – even if you can’t see it.
• Cross rail tracks only at clearly marked crossings.
• Running on the station platform is prohibited.
• Do not approach the train until it has come to a complete stop. Keep children together and away from the tracks until the train stops completely.
•
Before you board, always allow others to exit the train.
• Avoid sticking arms or legs in the doors to prevent them from closing.
• Skateboarding, rollerblading and riding bicycles on station platforms is not permitted.
• In an emergency at a station or Park & Ride lot, call 911 or use the emergency call box on each station plarform.
Warning signs and sounds
• Always obey warning signs and sounds.
• Listen for train horns notifying you that a train is approaching.
• White headlights indicate a train is coming toward you; red or no taillights mean a train is moving away from you.
• Be aware that Northstar trains can operate in both directions, sometimes with a passenger car on the front end. Do not assume the train is moving away from you if you don’t see a locomotive engine.
• Look both ways before crossing tracks at designated crossings — Northstar and freight trains can travel in any direction on any track. Never assume you know which trains will travel on which track.
• Environmental noise and wide-open spaces can muffle warning horns or the sounds of trains, so always stay alert around rail tracks and Northstar stations.
Safety on the train
• Special areas are designated for elderly customers and those with disabilities. Please surrender these seats when they are needed by passengers.
• There is a small gap between the train and the platform so watch your step when boarding and exiting the train. The gap exists for train safety, so it does not touch the platform while it is moving.
• While riding the train, please remain seated. If standing, hold onto the handrails in case of sudden stops.
• Keep children under control while riding. Running on the train can be dangerous.
• Keep your belongings free of the aisles and out of others’ way – each Northstar passenger car will have storage areas for large bags.
• Do not leave valuables unattended.
Safety near rail tracks
• Tracks have powerful switches that can move at any time. Never walk on tracks and stay away from track switches.
• Cross tracks only at clearly marked and designated crossings.
• Never try to beat a train through a crossing. Commuter and freight rail trains can take a half mile or more to come to a complete stop once emergency braking is applied.
• Never go around lowered gates at track crossings. Trains have the right of way over all other forms of transportation.
• Safety only takes a minute. If gate arms are going down, stop. The train will clear the intersection soon.
• The weight ratio of a train to an automobile is similar to the weight ratio of an automobile to a soda can. Locomotives alone weigh more than 200 tons.
•
Expect trains at any time on Northstar tracks. Northstar trains will share train tracks with frequent and unscheduled freight trains.
• Trains may travel directly behind each other, or pass on adjacent tracks that may not be visible to you. Stay alert for passing trains at all times.
• Always look both ways, listen for warning signals and obey warning signs before going across designated track crossings. Cross tracks only at designated crossings.
• Never place or throw anything on the rail tracks. Foreign objects may cause trains to derail, endangering passengers and bystanders. Objects on the tracks may also shoot out from under train wheels endangering bystanders.
Safety in station parking lots
• Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, buses and cars.
•
Train customers should only be dropped off in clearly marked drop-off zones near the stations.
• Be aware of your surroundings and stay in the well-lit platform and Park & Ride areas. If you feel unsafe, call 911.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, and keep your vehicle locked. Metro Transit is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• There is no overnight parking at Northstar station parking lots.
Safety during emergencies
• In an emergency at a station or Park & Ride lot, call 911 or use the emergency call box on each station plarform.
• If you observe or experience an emergency on the train, an emergency call box in each car will allow you to contact the engineer.
• If an emergency occurs while riding Northstar trains, stay calm, stay seated and observe instructions from the train conductor or engineer.
Safety during winter weather and storms
• Use covered shelters and on-demand heating systems located on Northstar platforms.
• Use caution on platforms and around train tracks. Sidewalks, platforms and parking lots may be slippery in wet weather.
• Stay alert. Trains can be more difficult to hear and see during storms.
•
Leave extra time for travel to and from the train station in bad weather conditions.
• Train car floors may be slippery when wet. Use caution and handrails when boarding and exiting train cars.
