Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) has entered into a partnership with FTA to provide grant funds to public transit agencies and other government entities for rail transit safety education and public awareness initiatives. Grant amounts range from $20,000-$25,000 and require a 25 percent match, either as in-kind services or non-federal cash.

“Passenger rail and transit are experiencing ridership growth,” said Joyce Rose, president and chief executive officer of Operation Lifesaver. “These FTA-funded grant projects help our state programs work with local transit agencies and government organizations to make a difference in rail safety in their communities.”

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff said: “As rail transit expands in communities across the country, it is essential that drivers and pedestrians have the education they need to remain safe near trains, tracks, and at crossings.”

To be eligible, projects must focus on safety education or public awareness initiatives in communities with rail transit systems (commuter rail, light rail, and streetcar). OLI-approved materials and OLI logos must be used, and all grants must be coordinated through state Operation Lifesaver programs. The deadline for grant proposals is June 30.

Examples of previously funded grants include New Jersey Transit Corporation’s outreach to schools to raise teen driver awareness about safe driving around light rail trains or buses, a safety campaign in the Atlanta area targeting distracted drivers with bus tail light displays and posters on Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority trains, and a community safety blitz by Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Austin, TX, in advance of new commuter rail service.

The grant announcement is available here. Information is available from Cathy Gillen.