After numerous suicides and train-pedestrian accidents, Caltrain is kicking off a year-long campaign to enlist customers in keeping an eye on the tracks.

Called "See Something -- Say Something," the program hopes to engage passengers in promoting safety throughout the rail system, the agency announced Friday, Jan. 11.

Each month Caltrain will highlight a different safety message that will range from system-wide safety to personal responsibility around a railroad.

This month's message reminds customers that, "We can all count on a safe ride if we look out for each other."

There were 12 fatalities on the Caltrain right of way last year. Spokeswoman Christine Dunn said the number is not an increase. A study by the Mineta Transportation Institute shows that the number of fatalities is remarkably consistent year after year, she said.

"The campaign is designed to raise awareness on two fronts: We want to educate people about safe personal behavior around the railroad and we want people to act as our 'eyes and ears' in helping to keep the railroad safe. This includes not only criminal activity but such things as a passenger shelter that may need to be repaired."

Officials said because the train is part of his or her regular routine, the rider is most likely to notice when something seems out of place or when someone is behaving in an unsafe manner.

"Even the average person needs to exercise caution in public places ... Caltrain customers know that staying safe around the railway means paying careful attention to the pedestrian crossings, staying off the tracks and standing behind the yellow line at stations.

"But safety also means communicating when something seems out of place along the rail corridor or on board the trains," officials stated in a press release.
 
Riders will see messages on the electronic station signs, on the agency's website, using social-media outlets and through announcements on trains.

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