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Community stakeholder collaboration

Plan and work with local government and community organizations to improve railroad safety.
  • Description
  • Notable Practices
  • Images and Audio
  • References
  • Resources

Railroads do not have the expertise or resources to address all of the complex factors that contribute to rail trespassing and suicide, for example, mental health, substance use, housing and financial insecurity, city planning, and cultural norms. Collaboration with community stakeholders can help to effectively address many of these concerns and create a sense of shared responsibility in helping to keep people safe. Increased awareness of rail safety and suicide issues within each stakeholder organization may lead to increased consideration of these topics in planning and development activities throughout the community [1]. Collaboration can also lead to other safety-related benefits in the community over time, such as improved access to community resources and awareness of available services.

Potential community collaborators include:

  • Rail carriers
  • Local government leaders
  • City planners
  • Law enforcement and first responders
  • Public health departments
  • Suicide prevention groups
  • Mental health organizations
  • State Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) representatives
  • Other community groups

As of 2026, FRA is working toward developing an interactive tool based on a framework for community collaboration, Community, Analysis, Response and Evaluation (CARE). This framework builds on prior community trespass prevention work [2] and guides communities through a process to address local rail safety and suicide prevention challenges.

Additional search terms: CARE model, coordination, partnering, partnership

  • Identify and engage all stakeholders early to help support the effort throughout the collaboration and create a sense of shared responsibility for addressing rail trespassing and suicide [1].
  • Identify a champion who can plan and facilitate meetings, maintain group engagement, and track group progress.
  • Include stakeholders with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets to encourage meaningful dialogue and creative solutions.
  • Clarify roles and responsibilities for everyone involved as diffusion of responsibility can occur without clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and leadership.
  • When seeking funding resources, cast a wide net, considering federal and state grant opportunities as well as other organizations. Consider transportation, environmental, law enforcement, and behavioral health-related opportunities Funding Opportunities.
  • Keep the core stakeholder group to a manageable number, for example limit one representative from each stakeholder organization, as it can be difficult to schedule meetings and build consensus with larger stakeholder groups [1].
  • Prioritize representatives with decision-making authority within the core stakeholder group. Progress can become challenging if decisions cannot be made [1].
  • Maintain a consistent meeting schedule, and at each meeting review an agenda, action items, and accomplishments. This can help to maintain engagement and momentum, which can fade over time [1].
  • When possible, leverage existing efforts that are already addressing rail safety, suicide prevention, or other relevant issues in the community [1].

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Audio:

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[1] DaSilva, M., & Ngamdung, T. (2014). Trespass Prevention Research Study-West Palm Beach, FL (No. DOT-VNTSC-FRA-14-02). Washington, DC: Federal Railroad Administration.

Abstract: The United States Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Research and Development (R&D), conducted a Trespass Prevention Research Study (TPRS) in the city of West Palm Beach, FL. The main objective of this research was to demonstrate potential benefits, including best practices and lessons learned, of implementation and evaluation of trespass prevention strategies following FRA’s and Transport Canada’s existing trespassing prevention guidance on the rail network in West Palm Beach, FL, and all of its rights-of-way.

This report documents the results of the implementation of the guidance discussed in this study. The results of the trespass prevention strategies will be analyzed to help determine areas of potential risk, develop solutions to prevent and minimize risk exposure, and implement successful countermeasures in the future. The ultimate objective of the research is to aid in the development of national recommendations or guidelines to reduce trespass-related incidents and fatalities.

[2] Federal Railroad Administration. (2011). Community Trespassing Prevention Guide. Washington, DC: Federal Railroad Administration.

Description: This guide outlines a problem-solving model for trespass prevention – Community, Analysis, Response and Evaluation (CARE) – which includes collaboration with community stakeholders that can be applied to a variety of collaboration-based measures.

Metro-North Together Railroads and Communities Keeping Safe (TRACKS) Program

Description: Metro-North Railroad provides a free community outreach program designed to education people about safety on and near railroad grade crossings and tracks. This website describes this program and offers safety resources that users can download and use.