Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons

February 12, 2003

Safety First

Obey traffic signals at train crossings

As more people choose DART Rail and the Trinity Railway Express to travel to work and play, it's important to remember the importance of obeying traffic signals at all train crossings. In some locations, the trains travel up to 65 miles per hour.

In 1996, when DART opened its first 20 miles of track, trains crossed at 64 train crossings. Currently DART Rail operates 44 miles of track, and trains cross 106 streets in Dallas, Richardson, Garland and Plano.

The Trinity Railway Express, a joint service of DART and the Fort Worth T, operates from Union Station in Downtown Dallas to the T & P Station in downtown Fort Worth. The 35 miles of track have 34 highway-rail intersections. Trinity Railway Express trains travel up to 60 miles per hour.

Train crossings on the corridors are clearly marked with signs and many have red flashing red lights and crossing arms that come down prior to a train's arrival at the intersection.

Be Safe: Look Out for Trains
While fences restrict access to most of the rail corridor, it's important to be aware that trains often travel at high speeds.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are urged to follow these critical safety precautions:

• Expect a train on the tracks at any time
• Never assume you have the right-of-way
• Always obey traffic signs and signals
• Do not go around crossing arms (gates) that are down
• Never stop or stand on train tracks
• Cross tracks only at marked crosswalks