New Transit Safety Pledge Campaign Targets Rail Safety Education for Kids, Teens and Adults
OLI Awards New Online Transit Safety Pledge Grant to Hampton Roads Transit
WASHINGTON, DC, November 14, 2024 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education nonprofit, today announced the recipient of its Transit Safety Pledge Grant, made possible by funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The $10,000 grant was awarded to Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), which will develop a new safety campaign for The Tide, a light rail service running through Norfolk, Virginia.
HRT will promote OLI’s Transit Safety Pledges for adults, children and pre-readers sharing the life-saving rail safety education message encouraging each group to sign a safety pledge and promise to make safe choices around tracks and trains. Launching in early 2025, this replicable program targets key groups within the agency’s service area, focusing on transit riders, pedestrians and drivers.
"We are excited to award this grant to Hampton Roads Transit and support their innovative approach to promoting our transit safety pledges," said Rachel Maleh, OLI Executive Director. " We hope other transit agencies across the country will embrace the Transit Safety Pledges with their riders, empowering individuals to take personal responsibility for their safety around trains and tracks. With the FTA's continued support, we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this campaign on transit riders and their communities."
"FTA is guided by a primary goal of improving safety in American public transportation," said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. "Safety on and around rails is critical, wherever rail transit operates. We hope this grant will increase public awareness and bolster pledge signatures into the thousands."
The goal is to build awareness and commitment to rail safety across all ages. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.
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About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a national #RailSafetyEducation nonprofit dedicated to stopping track tragedies through public awareness and education campaigns as well as a national volunteer network that gives free presentations encouraging safe behavior near tracks and trains. OLI supports the efforts of 47 state programs and the District of Columbia in sharing the rail safety education message. Explore OLI's virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Visit oli.org to learn more, take a rail safety pledge, request free presentations and volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X and YouTube.
