Metra Blitzes Promote Safety in Chicago Area

Metra, Chicago, IL, is to conduct Operation Lifesaver Safety Blitzes at 40 train stations across its six-county region in 2025. During a blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the railroad’s 243 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials about train and grade crossing safety, answering questions, and listening to riders’ safety concerns. A short video about grade crossing safety is also available for customers to view while they wait for their trains.

“Safety is always Metra’s highest priority,” said CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “These safety blitzes allow us to reach our customers directly to ensure that they understand the need to stay vigilant about safety anytime they’re around the railroad.”

Illinois has the second-largest rail system in the U.S., with more than 7,300 miles of railroad track and 10,264 public rail crossings. In 2024, the state ranked sixth in the nation in train vs. vehicle collisions at highway rail crossings and fifth in trespassing fatalities. Preliminary statistics compiled by FRA show that, in 2024, 21 people died and 52 people were injured in grade crossing incidents in Illinois and another 39 people were killed and 21 people were injured trespassing along railroad right-of-way.

Metra also promotes safety through its annual safety competition for the region’s students and conducts hundreds of free Operation Lifesaver presentations annually to schools, community groups, school bus drivers, professional truck drivers, emergency responders, and other organizations throughout the region.