NJ Transit to launch earbud safety campaign as part of $134K nationwide rail safety initiative
NEW JERSEY — NJ Transit will launch a new safety awareness campaign focused on the dangers of wearing earbuds and using mobile devices near trains and transit operations as part of a nationwide rail safety initiative funded through more than $134,000 in federal grants.
Operation Lifesaver Inc. announced Monday, Oct. 26, that it will award $134,082 to seven transit agencies across the country, including NJ Transit, to support public education campaigns aimed at preventing accidents and encouraging safer behavior around commuter trains, light rail systems and other transit operations.
The grants are funded by the Federal Transit Administration and range from $14,082 to $20,000 per agency. Recipients were selected through a competitive process and are required to provide a 25% match.
NJ Transit’s project, called the Earbud Safety Awareness Campaign, will focus on educating pedestrians, cyclists and drivers about the risks associated with wearing earbuds or using mobile devices while traveling near transit lines and facilities.
According to Operation Lifesaver, the campaign will use targeted outreach, strategic communications and research-based safety messages to encourage people to remain alert to their surroundings and recognize visual and audible warning signals from trains and transit systems.
The initiative is intended to improve situational awareness and promote safer decisions among people who walk, bike or drive near rail operations.
“We congratulate this year’s grant recipients. 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,” said Rachel Maleh, Executive Director, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. “We are grateful to the Federal Transit Administration for its continued and robust support of this program. Their partnership enables OLI to aid the efforts of these agencies, which are sharing lifesaving information with transit riders across the nation.”
The funding will support public safety campaigns targeting groups considered at higher risk, including students, shift workers and people who live near transit lines. Participating agencies will use digital advertising, social media, community events and school outreach to distribute safety information.
Each project will incorporate educational materials approved by Operation Lifesaver to promote consistent rail safety messaging nationwide.
“Promoting safe behaviors in rail transit communities is a priority for all of us at the Federal Transit Administration,” said Connor Torossian, FTA Associate Administrator for Communications and Congressional Affairs. “We’re pleased to continue to support Operation Lifesaver’s critical work to raise awareness about transit safety. These grants will enable transit agencies across the country to connect with their riders and broader communities to save lives.”
In addition to NJ Transit, six other transit agencies were selected to receive funding for safety education projects.
The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, also known as Trinity Metro, will focus on commuter corridors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, particularly near industrial facilities, logistics centers, schools and colleges. Its campaign will include digital outreach to younger audiences and educational materials for commercial and industrial drivers about Emergency Notification System signs at railroad crossings.
Hampton Roads Transit in Virginia will promote light rail safety through a specially wrapped transit vehicle, a partnership with the Norfolk Tides baseball team and a social media campaign featuring videos and targeted digital advertising. The project will also include safety messaging and educational giveaways during a baseball game.
The Long Island Rail Road will invite school-age children to create artwork focused on railroad crossing safety, boarding trains and safety at stations and platforms. The winning design will appear on custom sticky notes as part of the railroad’s Together Railroads And Communities Keeping Safe program.
In California, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System will expand its Making Transit Safe Program through a specially wrapped light rail vehicle, school presentations, community events, educational booths and social media outreach aimed at reducing unsafe behavior near tracks and crossings.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will launch its Platforms, Not Playgrounds ca
