Seven Transit Agencies Receive Grants for Public Safety Campaigns

10/28/2026

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) awarded seven public transit agencies with FTA-funded grants to support public safety campaigns to increase rail safety awareness and promote safe behaviors around transit lines. Each agency will receive between $14,000 and $20,000, with recipients providing a 25 percent match.

The projects are expected to reach thousands of individuals across the United States, promoting key safety messages that align with OLI’s transit rail safety education initiatives. Connor Torossian, FTA Associate Administrator for communications and congressional affairs, said, “These grants will enable transit agencies across the country to connect with their riders and broader communities to save lives.”

The selected grantees and a summary of their projects are:

  • Fort Worth Transportation Authority (Trinity Metro), TX: digital media and educational material focused on commuter corridors throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, particularly near industrial and logistics centers, schools, and colleges.
  • Hampton Roads Transit, VA: digital media, light rail vehicle wrap, and sponsorships coinciding with the local spring festival and baseball season. 
  • New Jersey Transit: targetedearbud safety awareness campaign to highlightthe risks associated with wearing earbuds and using mobile devices around transit operations.
  • Long Island Rail Road, NY: “Safety Post-It Note” project with a contest for school-age children to create safety artwork on grade crossing, train boarding, and platform and station safety.
  • San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, CA: “Making Transit Safe” program, which includes presentations, community partnerships, and custom-wrapped light rail vehicles.
  • Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA): “Platforms, Not Playgrounds” campaign, which includes in-person outreach at key SEPTA stations, school presentations, and community events.
  • West Virginia University Personal Rapid Transit: enhanced safety signs and installation of boundary markers on platform floors, as well as deployment of student safety ambassadors, audio safety messages, and digital media campaigns.

OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh congratulated the grant recipients, saying “Their creative, thoughtful projects will go far in bringing the transit rail safety education message directly to those who encounter commuter trains, light rail, or streetcars daily.”

Learn more at https://oli.org/.