Crossing the Tracks

• Only cross tracks at designated crossings and when it is safe to do so. While it might not be the quickest route, it is the safest. Know that if you are on foot and not using a designated crossing – marked by a sign or gate – you are trespassing and are subject to a citation and fine.
• Even though they might look as if they’re moving rather slowly, trains can reach a top speed of 79 miles per hour. At that speed, they cover the length of a football field in less than three seconds.
• Always watch out for a second train, when you see the last car of a passing train, don’t cross until you’re sure that no other trains are coming on either track.
• A train passes through a crossing in less than a minute. It is better to lose one minute in life than your life in one minute.
• Be aware that commuter rail trains operate in “push-pull mode.” The locomotive usually pulls the outbound trains.  However, on inbound trains, the train is “pushed” from behind by the locomotive with a passenger car leading the train. Trains can travel in either direction on either track.
• Despite their size, trains can be difficult to hear, especially in the “push” mode and when rain, wind or snow reduces hearing ability.

At Railroad Crossings

• Never go onto a railroad crossing unless the crossing arms are in the fully upright position and the flashing red lights and bells are off.
• Please be patient at railroad crossings when the arms are in the down position and the flashing red lights and bells have been activated, this is to allow commuter trains and other work trains and also possible track vehicles to pass over the railroad crossing.
• Never drive onto a railroad crossing until you are sure the traffic ahead has left enough space to drive across without boxing you in.
• Never stop on a railroad crossing.
• Do not shift gears while driving across the tracks. If your vehicle stalls on the crossing get everyone out and get off the tracks. Call 911. School and transit buses carrying passengers, as well as trucks carrying hazardous materials, are required to stop at all rail crossings even when gates are up.  Always be prepared to stop if you are following one of these vehicles

At the Station

• Arrive promptly for your train’s departure time shown on the schedule.
• When you’re at the station with children, keep them close to you at all times.
• When waiting at a station, be aware that approaching trains may not be stopping at the station and can pass near you at up to 79 miles per hour.
• When waiting to board a train, stand behind the yellow safety line at stations and don’t cross to the center platform until the train stops.
• Don’t sit on the edge of the platform. All trains overhang the rails and require that space to operate.
• Never run after or next to a moving train

Boarding and Exiting the Train

• Always board or exit where a conductor is present
• Never open the side doors and / or trap doors yourself
• Never board of exit a moving train, if you miss your station stop, find your conductor and ask for help. 
• Mind the gap when stepping on and off the train.
• Hold the handrail while going up or down and stairs.

During Winter  Weather

• Please arrive at the station and be on the platform 5 to 10 minutes prior to your train’s departure time.  To keep your train on time, our conductors must adhere to the departure time shown in the timetable.
• Please be aware that once a conductor has signaled to the engineer that the train is safe to depart, he cannot stop the train to allow you to board, even if he sees you running from the parking lot.
• Customers are reminded that they must never open their own trap doors and side doors, but instead MUST board or exit at a door where a conductor is present.
• Please watch your step when you are boarding and exiting the train; the platform and train stairs could be covered in freshly fallen snow or it could be slick from rain which has turned into ice, use the handrail at all times. 

 Keeping the Railroad Safe

• Right of Way Safety:  MBCR is a proud and active supporter of the Operation Lifesaver Program.   Operation Lifesaver is an independent, nationwide program that helps educate communities and residents about safe behavior near railroad tracks.  For more information, click here
• Transit Watch: You can help keep the rails safe by reporting dangerous situations, such as children playing on the tracks or people hanging out along the rail right of way. Call (617) 222-1212 to report dangerous situations.

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