NEWS RELEASE – September 2, 2025
Encourages safe behaviors near railroads
RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is promoting the importance of practicing safe behaviors in and around trains, stations, and tracks with a public outreach campaign during September. The campaign, which coincides with Rail Safety Month, includes outreach events around the state.
The campaign will focus on several aspects of rail safety including grade crossing safety, on board passenger safety, rail safety education, and pedestrian and driver safety. Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a proclamation recognizing September as Rail Safety Month in Virginia. In his proclamation, the Governor notes that Virginia has decreased the number of grade crossing accidents across the Commonwealth, dropping Virginia from the 13th highest in the nation in 2021 to 21st last year.
Again this year VPRA is offering toolkits — available online here – to aid community leaders, employers, teachers, first responders, pastors, parents, and others in promoting rail safety. These kits include everything from safety tips to sample social media and website messaging to sample school announcements, making the campaign ready to use.
“With railroads crossing our state and traveling through our communities, rail safety in the Commonwealth is a priority for VPRA,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “Whether you are traveling on board one of our trains or crossing a railroad track, it is important to remember that if you see a track, you should expect a train. Practicing safe behaviors whenever you are near a track, in a station, or on a train can save your life.”
“Rail Safety Month is a time to celebrate the safe journeys we take every day and to remind ourselves that staying alert and following the rules keeps our communities moving safely,” said Tiffany Robinson, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Chair of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Board. “At DRPT, we are proud to work with our partners across the Commonwealth to promote rail safety initiatives, educate the public, and ensure that every trip on Virginia’s railroads is a safe and reliable one.”
In addition to the online toolkits, VPRA will be hosting rail safety events and promoting other educational opportunities around the Commonwealth. Dates and times for these events may be found in our toolkit.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service. The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA. Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations in Virginia plus Washington, DC along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.
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