The New Mexico Rail Runner Express has had a commitment to safety
from day one. Our crew and operators undergo thorough training to
ensure that your train ride is as safe and secure as possible.
As a passenger, and even as a motorist, there are specific things
that you can do to help us achieve our goal of a safe, user-friendly
commuter rail service:
On Board the Train
Report any suspicious packages or behaviors immediately to the
train crew
Keep all of your belongings close at hand
Keep all children under direct adult supervision
Try to remain seated while the train is in motion. If you need
to move while the train is in motion, please use handrails in
the stairwells and the handles on chair tops while moving
through the aisles
Be aware of your surroundings
While seated, look around your area to locate the nearest
emergency exits
Do not run on board the train
If you notice that another passenger may need defibrillator
services, immediately contact a train crew member; they are
certified to operate our on-board defibrillators
If you notice a safety/security threat posed by a fellow
passenger(s), report it immediately to the train crew
At the Stations/Platforms
Stay well behind the yellow line at all times. Do not sit or
stand on these lines while waiting for a train
Keep children under constant adult supervision
Expect a train at any time, on any tracks, in either direction
Remember that Amtrak passenger trains and BNSF freight trains
share our tracks; expect them to be travelling at speeds of
55—79 mph through our stations
Never place any objects, such as rocks or coins, on the tracks,
as they can shoot back at bystanders with the speed of a bullet,
and may cause severe injuries
Always be aware of your surroundings, especially from dusk to
dawn
Do not ride bicycles or skateboards on the platform, for the
safety of other passengers
Never step on the railroad tracks, ties, or ballast rocks
surrounding the tracks
Pay attention to any audible/visual announcements from the NMRX
staff at station message boards regarding safety, delays,
warnings, or other information
Every station, with the exception of Santa Fe Depot, has an
Emergency Call Station on one of the information kiosks.
Pressing this call button will immediately connect you with
local emergency response; “prank” callers will be fined
While Driving
Be aware of all traffic signs that alert you about nearby
railroad tracks
Always stop at or slightly behind the solid white stop line
painted on the roadway just before the crossing gates
If the crossing is on a dirt/private road, always look both ways
before proceeding across the tracks
Never stop your vehicle on the tracks
Never allow any portion of your stopped vehicle to hang over the
tracks: If you don’t fit, don’t commit!
Never pass another car or shift gears while crossing train
tracks
Never, never, never try to beat a train
Because of their size, it takes a train a much longer distance
to come to a stop than any automobile. It is much easier to move
a car than to stop a train
To report a malfunctioning crossing gate, or for notification of
persons spotted walking on/near the railroad tracks, please call
our Service Desk at 505-724-3654
On the silver bungalow (box) located near the crossing, you can
find information about the street name, railroad milepost number
(“RRMP”), Department of Transportation identification number and
letter (“DOT 123456X”), and an emergency phone number
Failure to obey traffic signs at a highway-rail
grade crossing, including stopping beyond the solid white stop line,
crossing gates, and “STOP HERE ON RED” signs, is a minimum fine of
$150.00 in New Mexico.
Remember that
approaching trains are always closer and moving faster than they
appear. Always yield the right-of-way to a train.
Current
Safety Initiatives
The Rail
Runner works in conjunction with Operation Lifesaver, a national, non-profit
organization developed to promote train safety. With the train
safety message provided by Operation lifesaver, New Mexico Rail
Runner Express staff members have visited more than 150 schools,
senior centers, state/county fairs, scout troops, museums, churches,
head starts, and many other groups and locations in order to educate
the public about railway safety.
Police, fire,
ambulance, and other emergency response agencies are educated
through a variety of outreach methods, including classroom-style
instruction, hands-on training and train equipment tours, head-end
train rides, and mock-emergency drills. The New Mexico Rail Runner
Express works with emergency responders throughout our Belen to
Santa Fe corridor to ensure that all of our life-savers are educated
about the unique characteristics and possible risks associated with
railroad right-of-way issues, NMRX train cars and locomotives,
evacuation techniques, emergency exits, emergency contacts, and many
other possibly lifesaving techniques and practices.
For more information about the Rail Runner’s safety initiatives or
to schedule an Operation Lifesaver presentation for your classroom,
civic group, employment center, boy/girl scout troop, or any number
of other gatherings, contact Stephanie Paiz, Commuter Rail Planner,
at 724-3630.
