WES Commuter Rail: Always expect a train

TriMet’s Westside Express Service Commuter Rail, known as WES, is scheduled to begin testing its trains in early summer. When that happens, students, drivers - all of us - need to be alert to ensure safety. WES is faster, quieter and more frequent than the freight trains we are used to seeing.

To help raise awareness, TriMet, in partnership with Operation Lifesaver, an international non-profit organization focused exclusively on railroad safety education, is conducting safety education to reach audiences such as area employers and their employees, school-age children and teenagers , residents in targeted neighborhoods, trespassers on Portland & Western Railroad property, professional drivers, and partner agencies and municipalities.

In order to be safe around WES, keep the following five safety tips in mind. Also, please share this information with friends and family, especially school-age children.

WES Safety tips:

· Stop, look and listen. Trains run on any track, at any time, in either direction. Always expect a train!

· Never walk or play on or near the tracks. It is illegal and can be deadly.

· Be aware of warning signs and devices. Follow all traffic signs and signals that warn when a train is approaching.

· Don’t be tempted to try to beat a train. Trains will be traveling between 45 and 60 miles per hour. A train traveling at 55 miles per hour takes over a mile to stop. That’s 18 football fields!

· Don’t get stuck on the track. If your vehicle stalls at a crossing, get out and get away. Call 9-1-1.

To schedule a safety presentation for your business or organization, please call Leslie Mylius at 503-962-6441. For more information on WES visit trimet.org or call 503-238-RIDE (7433).