Rider Safety

Safety around Sounder commuter rail

For your safety, always look, listen and obey! It's simple advice that could save your life!

Never Race a Train: Even in a tie you'll lose.

Obey Warning Signs: When the train crossing gate is down, wait until the train passes, and the gate comes up before proceeding across the tracks. If the gates are down, another train may be approaching on the second track. Trains can come from both directions at any time.

Look Both Ways: When the last car of a train passes and the signals stop and gates come up, don't proceed across the tracks until you are certain trains are not coming in either direction.

Optical Illusion: Take time to double check! The train you see may be closer and moving faster than you think. Passenger trains can operate at speeds of up to 79 miles per hour in some areas.

Stopping Distance: Be aware that passenger and freight trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the engineer sees you, a train moving at 55 to 79 miles per hour, can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied.

Trespassing: Never trespass on train tracks or walk on train tracks as a short cut. Train tracks are not public pathways. It is illegal to walk on or cross a train track except at a designated public crossing. To keep you safe, sheriff’s deputies are now monitoring the tracks and issuing trespassing citations. If you unlawfully cross the tracks and disobey signs and signals you could be fined.

Trains can come on any track, from either direction, at any time.

Parked Trains: Never cross between, under or walk around a parked train. This is very dangerous. The train may move without warning.

Warning Strips: Warning strips are located at the edge of all Sounder station platforms. Stay behind them at all times. Hold hands with small children and keep them back from the tracks. Some trains pass through Sounder stations at high speeds without stopping.

Quiet Operation: Modern commuter trains are very quiet with no telltale "clickety-clack" sound. Don't assume you can hear them approaching. Trains are sometimes pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled so the engine noise is further away.

When on the platform:

• look both ways and cross tracks only at designated areas
• stand behind the safety strip at the edge of the platform
• never take shortcuts across the tracks
• hold small children by the hand while on the platform
• in case of emergency, contact the security officer.

When on the train:

• never attempt to exit a moving train
• hold on to handrails and watch your step
• let passengers exit before boarding the train
• clear the doors completely when boarding or exiting
• do not block seats or aisle with belongings
• in case of emergency, contact the conductor
• no running on board the train
• no hazardous, explosives or corrosive materials allowed.

Safety around ST Express bus

For your safety please follow these common sense guidelines:

• never attempt to board or exit a moving bus
• buses will not stop once they leave a bus stop
• allow passengers to exit the bus before you board
• keep the aisles clear of packages and personal items.
• as you leave the bus watch for other motor vehicles
• wait for bus to pull away before crossing street
• wait only at designated bus stops
• do not attempt to hail a bus from an area not designated as a stop
• do not run after a moving bus.

Safety around Tacoma Link light rail

Not only is Tacoma Link convenient and simple to use, it is also safe and reliable—especially if you follow a few common-sense rules.

Be Safe, Look, Listen, Live!

• Link trains are electric and very quiet. You may not hear them coming.
• Whenever you are around trains or tracks, be alert. Watch for trains on any track, in any direction, at anytime.
• Always look both ways. Trains travel in both directions on any track. After a train passes, another train may be coming from the opposite direction.
• Do not walk, stand or park a vehicle on the tracks - trains can show up at any time.
• Always stand behind the tactile yellow warning strip at station platform when walking:

When walking:

• cross the street and tracks at designated crosswalks only
• keep away from track or rail switches; switches can move at any time even when the train is not in the area
• stay alert when you exit the station; watch out for other trains, cars and trucks.

When driving or bicycling:

• stop and wait for the train to pass when the "train sign" flashes
• obey all traffic signals and all street signs
• make left or U-turns only at authorized intersections
• cross tracks only at designated crossings
• wait until you are in the intersection to turn left or right
• never race a train or try and beat it at an intersection.

When on the train:

• stand back while the train doors open and close
• use handrails
• watch your step - especially in cold or wet weather
• allow disabled passengers priority seating
• wait for Link trains at designated stations only
• do not attempt to hail Link trains from areas not designated as stops.

When on the bus:

• be cautious when making a connection to or from buses
• do not dart in front of the bus and into the path of the Link train
• wait for buses at designated stops only
• do not attempt to hail buses from areas not designated as stops.