Alstom and Operation Lifesaver Canada Unite in a Powerful Campaign to Educate the Public, Raise Awareness, and Reduce Fatalities Around Railroad Tracks

With transportation continuing to advance, safety on the tracks is top priority. Alstom, a world leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, has just made a major announcement of a partnership with Operation Lifesaver Canada (OL), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to rail safety education nationally. This partnership seeks not just to inform communities about rail safety but also to prevent loss of life by making people aware of the risks that exist at rail crossings, along tracks, and aboard trains.

A Shared Mission for Safety

Alstom’s commitment to safety goes beyond the technological advancements it makes in the rail industry. By joining forces with Operation Lifesaver Canada, the company is reinforcing its dedication to promoting safe practices in and around railways. OL, founded in 1981, has long been a leader in educating the public about the risks associated with railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings. The nonprofit’s mission focuses on preventing collisions, injuries, and fatalities through public education campaigns across the country.

Each year, approximately 2,300 North Americans lose their lives or suffer serious injuries due to accidents around rail crossings and tracks. In Canada, the situation is equally concerning, with more than 100 lives lost or altered annually as a result of incidents occurring on or near railroad tracks. These staggering statistics underscore the urgent need for educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness and preventing future accidents. The partnership between Alstom and OL seeks to address these challenges head-on by bringing critical safety messages to communities in need.

The Growing Problem of Rail Trespassing

One of the most alarming trends in recent years is the increase in trespassing incidents along railway tracks. In the first half of 2025 alone, trespassing-related incidents have surged by an alarming 46.8%. Even more concerning is the rise in serious injuries linked to trespassing, which have skyrocketed by 150% compared to the five-year historical average. This sharp uptick in dangerous behavior highlights the need for immediate action and further underscores the importance of initiatives like See Tracks? Think Train®, a safety campaign that operates annually from September 15 to 21.

See Tracks? Think Train® is an industry-wide campaign where various rail industry partners, safety organizations, community leaders, first responders, and local citizens come together to remind the public of the vital safety precautions they should take when around railroad tracks and trains. During this time, participants spread the message of staying vigilant and cautious, urging the public to be mindful of their surroundings and to respect railroad infrastructure. With an alarming rise in trespassing incidents, this initiative could not come at a more crucial time.

“At Alstom, rail safety begins with our unwavering commitment to quality — in our products, systems, and services. Ensuring optimal performance is not just a technical goal; it’s a responsibility we carry to protect our people, passengers, and the communities we serve. Our collaboration with Operation Lifesaver, alongside our industry peers, is a powerful reflection of this commitment. Through community outreach and education, we proudly contribute to a shared mission: saving lives and fostering a culture of safety across the rail network.” said Tania Fauchon, Head of Railway Safety, Alstom.

Empowering Local Communities with Knowledge

One of the standout features of this partnership is Alstom’s involvement in directly engaging with local communities. Over 50 Alstom employees across North America have volunteered to become Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Ambassadors. These employees are not just figureshead supporters; they undergo specialized training to effectively deliver the safety education materials provided by OL. Once trained, they return to their respective communities to help spread the message and raise awareness of rail safety in a way that resonates with the people they know best.

By empowering Alstom employees to become ambassadors for rail safety, the company is fostering a more direct connection between the community and the resources available to them. These ambassadors play a crucial role in bringing OL’s safety programs to life in local neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, ensuring that safety education reaches a broad and diverse audience.

The Importance of Collaborative Efforts

While Alstom’s involvement is a significant contribution, it is part of a much broader effort that includes numerous other stakeholders working toward a shared goal. The collaborative nature of this initiative is vital for its success. The partnership not only brings together the rail industry, but also aligns with safety organizations, community leaders, and first responders, all of whom share a common objective: reducing rail-related injuries and fatalities. It is through these combined efforts that lasting change can be achieved.

In addition to the volunteer efforts from Alstom’s employees, the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable mobility solutions further supports the safety mission. As a pioneer in smart transportation technology, Alstom’s innovations in rail systems contribute to a safer, more efficient rail infrastructure. By combining cutting-edge technology with grassroots safety education, Alstom is reinforcing the importance of both technological advancement and public awareness in ensuring a safer future for everyone.

“With everyone doing their part, we can get to zero: zero rail-related incidents, injuries, and deaths. But we still have work to do. It’s why Operation Lifesaver Canada is thrilled to welcome Alstom and their employees as ambassadors. We are thankful for their partnership in supporting our lifesaving mission to prevent track tragedies,” said Chis Day, National Director, Operation Lifesaver Canada. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Rail Safety

As the partnership between Alstom and Operation Lifesaver Canada moves forward, the focus will remain on broadening the reach of safety education and continuously improving community engagement. With the rise in rail-related incidents and the increasing number of fatalities and injuries, the work of organizations like OL has never been more critical. However, it is clear that education alone cannot solve the problem. It requires a concerted, long-term effort from all sectors of society, from government agencies and industry leaders to individual community members.

In conclusion, Alstom’s collaboration with Operation Lifesaver Canada represents a pivotal step in advancing rail safety awareness across the nation. By combining the resources and expertise of both organizations, this partnership is laying the groundwork for a safer future, where fewer lives are lost or affected by rail-related accidents. Through this collaboration, Alstom and OL are sending a powerful message: safety on the rails is not just the responsibility of the railway industry but of everyone who shares the responsibility for the well-being of their communities.

“As North America’s largest private passenger rail operator, we are committed to keeping our people, passengers, and communities safe. We are very proud of all our team members who have stepped up to volunteer their time to help save lives. We believe that through this partnership, we can make a significant impact on rail safety awareness and contribute to the well-being of the riding public and the communities we serve,” said Josee Ouellet, Vice President Services North America Alstom.  https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2025/9/alstom-partnering-operation-lifesaver-us-help-stop-track-tragedies-during-see-tracks-think-trainr-week-and-beyond

This alliance is a reminder that rail safety is not merely a matter of technology, but of education, awareness, and concerted effort. It is possible to make the world a safer, better-informed place where senseless rail crashes become a relic of the past if companies like Alstom and organizations like OL make a commitment.

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