SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) apologizes to motorists, riders, and the Folsom community for the significant traffic and service disruption that occurred on October 7, when a light rail grade-crossing equipment failure resulted in crossing gates remaining in the down position at multiple intersections. All affected crossings have returned to normal operation. 

SacRT recognizes the significant impact these disruptions can have on motorists, residents, and transit riders, particularly during peak commute hours. While maintaining the safety of the public and light rail operations remains the highest priority, SacRT also understands the importance of minimizing the time crossing gates remain down when equipment malfunctions occur. 

Moving forward, SacRT is developing protocols designed to reduce the duration of crossing disruptions and improve its response to future equipment malfunctions. These efforts will focus on establishing more efficient procedures for identifying affected crossings, coordinating maintenance resources, and determining the appropriate response when crossing equipment fails. The goal is to help crews respond more quickly and minimize the length of time motorists experience delays while maintaining safe operating conditions. 

SacRT is also evaluating opportunities to improve response time and coordination with local jurisdictions, including the City of Folsom, during significant crossing disruptions. The agency recognizes that timely information is particularly important when motorists are already on the road and may have limited access to updates about changing traffic conditions. 

The October 7 incident underscores the importance of reliable crossing equipment and effective response procedures. SacRT operates a 42-mile light rail system across Sacramento County with 69 grade crossings. Much of the system’s equipment is more than 30 years old, and SacRT is working to address aging infrastructure through its Light Rail Modernization Project. In addition to these longer-term investments, developing and implementing improved response protocols is an important step toward minimizing the impact of future malfunctions on the communities SacRT serves. 

SacRT sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused by this incident and appreciates the public’s patience. The agency remains committed to improving equipment reliability, strengthening its response to disruptions, and minimizing the impact of future crossing malfunctions on motorists and transit riders. 

Report Crossing Problems 

If a crossing gate remains in the down position or appears to be malfunctioning, the public is encouraged to immediately report the issue to SacRT by calling the Crossing Hotline at 916-648-8433 or SacRT’s Security Operations Center at 916-556-0275.  

SacRT remains committed to providing safe, reliable transit service while working to improve the performance of its infrastructure and reduce the impact of equipment malfunctions on the communities it serves. 

Learn more about the Folsom Light Rail Crossing Action Plan here: https://www.sacrt.com/folsom-light-rail-crossing-action-plan/