Safety & Security

• The train conductor is the authority on the train, but you can alert any ACE staff member in person or by phone 1-800-411-RAIL (7245) if you have questions or concerns about your safety or are in an emergency.
• Be alert to unattended packages, people in bulky or inappropriate clothing, and suspicious behavior.
• Notify ACE staff if you see any exposed wiring, anyone tampering with surveillance cameras or entering unauthorized areas. Keep track of your bags at the station and on the train.
• Do not leave baggage, personal items unattended and do not accept packages from strangers.

• Be careful on the train platforms: walk your bicycle; attend to and hold children by the hand; cross only in designated areas; and always stand behind the yellow line. Ensure you and your belongings are clear of the yellow line, as trains overhang the tracks by three feet.
• Never try to get on or off a moving train.
• Freight trains share the same tracks as passenger trains and do not operate on predictable schedules. While they may look like they are moving slowly, they cannot stop quickly in an emergency. A train moving at 55 miles per hour can take over a mile to stop once the emergency brakes are applied — that's 18 football fields.

• ACE trains, stations, and platforms are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Special access platforms are available at each station. Each rail car features an ADA compliant restroom accessible for wheelchair use.
• Children under the age of 12 years must ride with an adult.
• Use the seatback handles and hand rails to assist with balance when walking through the train.
• Do not lean on or attempt to hold the train doors open, and don't block doors from closing.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. is a national nonprofit public education program established to end collisions, deaths, and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks, and on railroad rights-of-way.
Operation Lifesaver volunteers can provide free presentations to community groups, driver education students, school bus drivers, professional drivers, law enforcement, civic organizations, and all grades in schools. Call 1-800-411-RAIL (7245) or visit http://www.caol.us/ for more information or to request a presentation.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

DHS is a federal agency with regulatory oversight of the security of all modes of transportation. In 2011, DHS instituted the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) to more communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the American public. Advisories will be issued as Bulletins – to communicate general trends regarding threats of terror and Alerts – which may include more specific information as to the nature of the threat as well as steps that individuals and communities can take to protect themselves and help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.

Human Trafficking

Through the Blue Campaign, DHS raises public awareness about human trafficking, leveraging partnerships to educate the public to recognize human trafficking and report suspected instances. ACE participates in the Blue Campaign as public transportation is often used as a means for human traffickers to transport victims.

https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/indicators-human-trafficking

To report suspected human trafficking, call 1-866-347-2423
To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888
Or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)

The Railroad Operating Environment

Like railroad transportation systems in the United States, ACE operates in a very open and accessible environment. Because of this access, rail systems are completely different from the structure and expectations of the airline transportation and airport industry. As a result, the security procedures that have been implemented in airports are not easily transferable to train stations. As an ACE passenger, we value you as an extra set of eyes and ears and ask for your help in identifying possible safety or security concerns. We encourage you to identify something that just doesn’t look right before something happens.

Please take few moments to review the guidance from the Office of the Department of Homeland Security: Options for Consideration Active Shooter Preparedness Video - https://www.dhs.gov/video/options-consideration-active-shooter-preparedness-video.

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

The FRA is a federal agency with safety oversight of US railroads. The FRA actively promotes railroad safety including Railroad Crossing Safety & Trespass Prevention. For more information visit: https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0841