September 2018

September 2018 • The latest from the Pacific Northwest

See Tracks – Think Train!

Observing Rail Safety Week

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the national rail safety education nonprofit, is working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other organizations to observe the second national Rail Safety Week (RSW), September 23-29, 2018.

The first U.S. Rail Safety Week was held September 24-30, 2017, as OLI celebrated its 45th year in existence. Launching a national Rail Safety Week fit with our ongoing mission of reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks.

The theme of this year’s Rail Safety Week is “Stop Track Tragedies.”

While the number of highway-rail crossing collisions, deaths and injuries has dropped over the past five decades, it’s still a startling fact that about every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. The goal of RSW is to raise awareness across the United States of the need for rail safety education and empower the general public to keep themselves safe near highway-rail grade crossings and railroad rights-of-way.

Together, we can save families and communities from enduring these heartbreaking tragedies. Learn more here: https://oli.org

Intermodal Service Connecting the Pacific Northwest and Texas

As the largest intermodal carrier in the world, BNSF Railway now offers intermodal service between Seattle/Portland and Dallas/Fort Worth. Comparable to single-driver, over-the-road trucking options, our Pacific Northwest-Texas service operates 5 days a week and is the fastest intermodal service in the industry. With access to the largest markets in Texas, it’s the most efficient way to ship throughout the Lone Star state. Learn more here: http://www.bnsf.com/ship-with-bnsf/intermodal/service-options-and-details/pnw-tx-intermodal-service.html.

Rail connects importers and exporters to West Coast ports

The West Coast is the largest trading partner with Asia and the Trans-Pacific trade. BNSF freight rail is a crucial connection, providing access to markets that shippers couldn’t otherwise access. Continuing investments in the best rail infrastructure that our nation has will keep the West Coast one of the world’s top gateways.

Treehouse expands to serve youth in foster care

Treehouse is Washington’s leading nonprofit organization addressing the academic and other essential support needs of youth in foster care. Treehouse helps more than 7,500 youth each year through programs that focus on their academic success, fulfill key material needs and provide important childhood experiences that every child deserves.

Since 2014, the BNSF Railway Foundation has donated $30,000 to help support Treehouse’s goal that by 2022, youth in foster care across Washington state will graduate from high school at the same rate as their peers, with support and a plan to launch successfully into adulthood.

“As Treehouse continues to grow throughout the state, BNSF is right there with us with leading the charge with much needed contributions for back to school and our expansion in Spokane and beyond,” said Janis Avery, CEO of Treehouse. “The most vulnerable youth are depending on all of us, and BNSF is an absolutely critical partner. Together, we will achieve graduation equity for youth in foster care statewide.”

“Day of Caring” in Partnership with Compass Housing Alliance

BNSF’s Building Products group recently participated in a “Day of Caring” event in partnership with the Compass Housing Alliance, an organization that provides housing, shelter and support services to people experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Puget Sound region.

More than 1,500 hygiene kits were produced for people in crisis by the Building Products team. The kits include soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant and toothpaste. Jenny Marquette, Community Resource Coordinator for Compass Housing Alliance, explained to the group that it is difficult to keep up with the high demand for hygiene kits in the summer months.

Emergencies – Call 800-832-5452

To report a vehicle stalled on a crossing, suspicious circumstances, malfunctioning crossing gates and lights, or any other emergency, call 800-832-5452 immediately.

Have a Question for Us?

Do you have a question about BNSF or rail in the Pacific Northwest that you would like addressed in future issues of Inside Track? Send them to [email protected].

We welcome your feedback and ideas!

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