September 21, 2026
BRIGHTLINE LAUNCHES NATIONAL SEE TRACKS? THINK TRAIN® WEEK WITH BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE, 211 BROWARD AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Community Leaders, Law Enforcement and Safety Advocates Unite in Broward County to Promote Rail Safety Awareness and Mental Health Resources
Miami, FL (September 21, 2026) — Brightline joined the Broward Sheriff's Office, 211 Broward, local officials and community partners to kick off National See Tracks? Think Train® Week with a rail safety awareness event in Oakland Park. The initiative is part of a nationwide campaign led by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. to prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities on and around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings.
The event began with a community news conference highlighting the importance of rail safety education, responsible decision-making around railroad crossings and the availability of mental health resources. Participants then conducted an educational walk along the Oakland Park corridor, distributing rail safety information and encouraging residents and businesses to take the rail safety pledge.
"Safety is our top priority. Through partnerships with law enforcement, local governments and community organizations, we continue to educate the public about safe behaviors around the tracks while providing important resources that support overall community well-being," said Patrick Goddard, CEO, Brightline Trains Florida.
Representatives from the Broward Sheriff's Office emphasized the role of education and enforcement in helping reduce risky behaviors near railroad crossings and tracks.
"We urge everyone to stop, look, and listen at railroad crossings," said Lieutenant J.C. Barros, Broward Sheriff's Office. "Stay alert, never drive distracted, and always obey flashing lights, lowered gates, safety signs, and train horns. Trains are massive and cannot be stopped quickly."
As operator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Broward County, 211 Broward joined the event to raise awareness about mental health support services and resources available to individuals in need.
"Our goal is to ensure that people in our community get the help they need when they need it," said Shea Spencer, President & CEO, 211 Broward and local operator of the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline. "Anyone can call us at any time for any reason. You don't have to know what to say or what to do. You don’t need to have the solutions. You only need to know who to call, and that’s us. Call or text 988 or 211. We’re here to answer the call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
The event also highlighted Brightline's ongoing safety investments throughout its rail corridor. The company continues implementing a comprehensive rail safety improvement program funded through a $45 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant. Corridor-wide enhancements between Cocoa and Miami include upgraded fencing, improved signage, dynamic envelope striping at crossings, 988 Crisis Hotline signage and other infrastructure improvements designed to promote safe behaviors around railroad operations.
National See Tracks? Think Train® Week takes place Sept. 21-27 and brings together railroads, transit agencies, law enforcement organizations and community partners across North America to educate the public about rail safety. To learn more about Brightline's rail safety initiatives or to sign the rail safety pledge, please visit www.BrightlineSafety.com.
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ABOUT BRIGHTLINE
Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. The company offers a hospitality-centric experience designed to reinvent train travel at a comparable price to driving or flying. Brightline is recognized as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Companies, one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative by Fast Company and one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast by Inc. The company focuses on city pairs that are too close to fly and too long to drive. Construction is currently underway to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Ashley Blasewitz, Brightline, ashley.blasewitz@gobrightline.com
Michael Hicks, Brightline, mhicks@bltrain.com