Rail Safety Week events hit Pickering, Oakville, Port Credit GO stations Tuesday

Metrolinx and local police will be at Pickering, Port Credit and Oakville GO stations Tuesday for Operation Cleartrack, an initiative to promote safety at transit locations across the GTA, part of the North America-wide Rail Safety Week.

Metrolinx is partnering with Operation Lifesaver to bring attention to Rail Safety Week, with the campaign kick-off Monday at Union Station.

The Cleartrack event will also be at transit locations at Union Station, Bloor GO Station and Markham Tuesday, while platform pop-ups will happen around the region Wednesday, with appearances in Oshawa, Pickering and other GO stops.

From September 18 to September 24, Metrolinx is partnering with Operation Lifesaver and other local safety partners to champion Rail Safety Week 2023.

Thursday will see Bikes on Trains safety events in Hamilton, Mississauga, Stouffville and at Union Station with platform safety education at stations across the region Friday.

Rail Safety Week is an annual awareness campaign that’s held every September across North America.

The campaign allows transit agencies, safety associations, law enforcement and other groups to come together to help educate the public with the goal of preventing incidents.

Metrolinx has been busy of late with other safety improvements, including the introduction of a text-for-help support program earlier this year that allows GO and UP Express riders to discreetly report safety or security concerns by texting ‘HELP’ to 77777. This summer, GO Station Ambassadors started playing a more active role on platforms by helping with entering and exiting the train and providing information to those who need it.

Metrolinx has also invested in new grade separations that enhance community safety by separating trains from pedestrians, cars, and cyclists.