Metra to conduct 40 'safety blitzes' at rail stations in 2025

Chicago commuter railroad Metra will partner with Operation Lifesaver to conduct "safety blitzes" at 40 train stations this year as part of Metra's annual efforts to promote safe behavior around trains and tracks.

Metra employees will visit stations during the morning rush hour to distribute education materials about grade crossing safety, answer questions and listen to rider concerns about safety, Metra officials said in a press release.

In addition, Metra police officers will conduct “enforcement blitzes” throughout the railroad's six-county service area. The officers will issue citations and warnings to drivers and pedestrians who ignore gates and warning devices.

The blitzes are being held to address the fact that Illinois in 2024, Illinois ranked sixth in the nation in train versus vehicle collisions at grade crossings and fifth in the nation in trespassing fatalities. Preliminary statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration show that in 2024, 21 people died and 52 people were injured in grade crossing incidents in Illinois and another 39 people were killed and 21 people were injured trespassing along railroad right-of-way, according to Metra.

llinois has the nation’s second-largest rail system with more than 7,300 miles of track and 10,264 public grade crossings. 

Metra's 2025 safety blitz schedule can be found here.