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
train service:
On Board the Train
Report any suspicious packages or behaviors immediately to a
crew member
Keep all of your belongings close at hand
Do not let children walk around the train without adult
supervision
Try to remain seated while the train is in motion. If you need
to move around, please use handrails on the stairs and handles on
chair tops while moving through the aisles
Be aware of your surroundings, including the nearest emergency
exits
Do not run on board the train
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, we share the tracks with two other train
services that may not stop at our stations
Do not place any items, such as rocks or coins, on the tracks
as they will shoot back at bystanders with the speed of a bullet,
and may cause severe injuries
Do not ride bicycles or skateboards on the platform
Never step on the tracks or ballast rocks surrounding the
tracks
While Driving
Be aware of signs that warn you of nearby railroad tracks
Never stop on the tracks:
When it comes to judging whether part of the vehicle may be left
hanging over the tracks: If you can’t fit, don’t commit
Never pass another car or shift while crossing train tracks
Stop before the thick white stop line on the pavement to stay
clear of lowering crossing gates
Never try to beat a train
Remember that approaching trains are always closer and moving
faster than they appear.
Current Safety Initiatives
The Rail Runner works in conjunction with
Operation Lifesaver, a
national, non-profit organization developed to promote train safety.
With the assistance of OL, Rail Runner staff members have visited
more than 100 schools, senior centers, railroad 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 departments
are educated through a variety of outreach methods, including
classroom-style and hands-on training, equipment visits, head-end
train rides, mock-emergency drills, and terrorism recognition
classes. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express works with emergency
responders from Belen to Santa Fe to ensure that our local emergency
responders are educated on the situations and possible risks
associated with railroad right-of-way issues, NMRX and other train
equipment, evacuation techniques, and many other possibly lifesaving
techniques.
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.
