Light Rail Safety

Safety is METRO’s highest priority

METRO is testing light rail vehicles on Washington Street between 48th & 56th Streets. During this testing activity, auto traffic will be able to travel alongside the light rail vehicle as our vehicle is operated at very slow speeds. Auto traffic at intersections may be asked to wait for a minute or so until the light rail vehicle passes through. METRO is working with residents, schools and businesses in the area to ensure that everyone understands the basics of light rail safety.

Download our safety brochure, maze, word search, and 11x17 kids safety poster.

Driving and bike riding

• At intersections, never stop or park your car or bike on light rail tracks.
• Stop on red and turn left only with a green arrow.
• Never try to beat a train through the intersection.
• Light rail trains are quiet. Listen for warning bells and watch for flashing headlights on the train.
• Look both ways before crossing the tracks by car or bike.
• Never drive a car or ride a bike in the light rail guideway.
• Treat METRO high-voltage powerlines with the same respect as utility company lines.

Walking

• Don’t walk on or stand near the tracks.
• Jaywalking is illegal and unsafe. Cross only at crosswalks and obey the crosswalk signals.
• Be alert when near the tracks. Light rail is quiet. Listen for warning bells and look for flashing headlights.

Teach your kids about light rail safety

• Remind your children to stop, look and listen—especially around light rail tracks.
• Teach children to cross intersections only in a crosswalk and to obey the crosswalk signs.
• Never allow children to play near the tracks and never fly kites or models near the high-voltage overhead power lines.
• When walking with children, keep them together and away from the tracks.
• Skateboarding, rollerblading and riding bikes in the guideway or on light rail platforms is not safe and is not permitted.

Use the links on this page to get a basic overview of light rail safety and your responsibilities, and to learn about the safety elements that we have designed into the system.

Please be sure to visit this page again as we approach our testing and operations dates. We will continue to update and add to it.