ENInclement Weather Tips for Riders
Know Before You Go!
Know Before You Go
Weather and road conditions can change quickly and may affect bus and light rail service. Whether you’re traveling in heavy rain, high winds, or fog, a little preparation can help you travel more safely.
Before you leave, check for service disruptions, allow extra travel time and plan ahead.
Check Before You Travel
Stay informed about delays, detours, service changes and other disruptions before heading to your bus stop or light rail station.
Service Alerts
Get real-time alerts for bus and light rail services directly from SacRT. Stay informed about disruptions, schedule changes, and service modifications as they happen. Plan smarter and travel with confidence.
Bus Tracker App
Your source for real-time bus arrival information in the Sacramento region (or Sacramento County). Track your bus, get service alerts, real-time bus arrival information, find nearby stops, find routes, and plan your trip from your mobile device.
Alert SacRT App
Real-time service updates for light rail. Receive alerts on the go and report concerns confidentially, keeping your travels safe and secure.
Inclement Weather Safety Tips
- 1. Check the forecast and SacRT Service Alerts before traveling.
- 2. Allow extra time to reach your destination.
- 3. Have an alternate route or travel plan in mind in case of a disruption.
- 4. Keep your phone charged so you can access service updates while traveling.
- 5. Dress for the weather and bring an umbrella, rain jacket or other appropriate gear.
Bus Riders
- Arrive at your stop early and wait in a designated, safe waiting area.
- Stand back from the curb as the bus approaches and wait until it comes to a complete stop before boarding.
- Use extra caution on wet or slippery sidewalks, ramps and boarding areas.
- Be visible to the bus operator, especially in heavy rain, fog or low-light conditions.
- Allow additional travel time. Traffic, flooded streets, fallen trees or other hazardous conditions may cause delays or detours.
- Never walk through standing or moving floodwater to reach a bus stop.
Light Rail Riders
- Watch your step when boarding and exiting trains. Platforms and train floors may be slippery when wet.
- Stand behind the platform safety line while waiting for a train.
- Stay alert and keep clear of tracks, especially during periods of reduced visibility.
- Never enter the tracks or attempt to cross them outside designated crossings.
- Follow posted signs and instructions from SacRT staff during service disruptions.
- If trains are delayed or service is interrupted, check Service Alerts for updated information and instructions.
Rain, Wind and Low Visibility
- Carry rain gear and wear shoes with good traction.
- Watch for slick pavement, puddles, debris and other hazards around stops and stations.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing when traveling in low-light conditions.
- Use extra caution when walking near roads, driveways and railroad crossings.
- Keep umbrellas and hoods positioned so you can see and hear approaching traffic and trains.
What is a bus bridge?
A bus bridge is a temporary shuttle bus service that replaces train service between affected stations during a disruption.
Railroad Crossing Safety
Why Do Railroad Crossing Gates Sometimes Stay Down?
Railroad crossing gates are designed to protect motorists, pedestrians and cyclists when trains approach. However, there are times when crossing gates may remain down even when a train is not visible.
While SacRT works to maintain its railroad crossing systems and respond to equipment issues, some disruptions can result from weather conditions or external power interruptions that are outside SacRT’s control.
Our priority is to maintain safe crossings, minimize disruptions and restore normal operations as quickly and safely as possible.
Several factors can affect the operation of railroad crossing systems, including:
High Winds and Severe Weather
Strong winds, storms and flying debris can damage or interfere with crossing gate equipment, including the alignment or movement of crossing arms.
Power Outages or Electrical Interruptions
Storms and unexpected power disruptions can affect railroad signal systems. Depending on the equipment and circumstances, crossing gates may remain down as a safety precaution.
Equipment Malfunctions
Like other electrical and mechanical systems, railroad crossing equipment can experience component failures that require maintenance personnel to respond.
Signal System Irregularities
Railroad crossings rely on systems that detect approaching trains. When certain problems are detected, the system may activate or keep crossing gates lowered as a safety precaution.
Flashing Lights Mean Stop
The flashing red lights at a railroad crossing are a critical warning that a train may be approaching. Always obey the flashing lights and other warning signals, even if the gates have not yet fully lowered or you cannot see a train.
Failing to stop when railroad crossing warning lights are flashing is dangerous and may result in a traffic violation.
If the flashing lights are activated or a warning signal is sounding, stop and wait until the crossing is completely clear and the warning devices indicate it is safe to proceed.
Never Drive Around Lowered Crossing Gates
If railroad crossing gates are down, flashing lights are activated or a warning signal is sounding, stop and wait until the crossing is completely clear and the warning devices indicate it is safe to proceed.
Never drive, walk or ride a bicycle around lowered crossing gates. Never stop on railroad tracks.
Crossing Gates Are Down and No Train Is Visible?
If crossing gates remain down and no train is visible, there may be an equipment or signal issue that requires attention.
REPORT IT
Report the issue to the SacRT Crossing Gate Hotline: 916-648-8433.
Providing the crossing location helps SacRT identify and respond to the issue.
If there is immediate danger or a person, vehicle or object on the tracks, call 911.
Never attempt to cross while the gates are lowered, even if no train is visible.
Severe Weather Shelter Information and Resources
During periods of extreme cold, heavy rain, high winds or extreme heat, local agencies may open temporary shelters, warming centers or cooling centers. Locations, hours and availability can change depending on weather conditions.
For the latest information, contact 2-1-1 Sacramento or visit the resources below.
Find current information about overnight warming centers, daytime respite locations and other community resources throughout Sacramento County.
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211 Sacramento Severe Weather Resources.
Visit the City of Sacramento’s weather respite information page for details about when temporary respite centers may open during severe weather.
Visit Sacramento County’s emergency preparedness website for emergency shelter information, weather safety resources and updates during emergencies.
See Tracks? Think Train!
Stay Alert. Stay Safe Around Tracks.
Trains can approach quickly and may be quieter than you expect. Whether you are walking, driving, biking or waiting near railroad tracks, always stay alert and follow railroad crossing signs, signals and gates.
Remember these important safety tips:
- See tracks? Think train. Always expect a train and stay alert near railroad tracks.
- Obey crossing signals. Stop when warning lights flash or gates begin to lower. Never go around a lowered gate.
- Stay off the tracks. Use only designated crossings and never walk, bike or drive on railroad tracks.
- Put distractions away. Avoid looking at your phone or wearing headphones that prevent you from hearing approaching trains.
- Never rush across. Cross only when warning devices indicate it is safe and you have enough time to cross completely.
Watch Our Rail Safety Video
Take a moment to watch our rail safety video and learn how to make safe choices around railroad tracks and light rail crossings.
Remember: See Tracks, Think Train. Your safety depends on staying alert and obeying all warning signals.