The California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Rail Safety Division (RSD) is responsible for overseeing the safety of rail systems throughout the state. The division’s work includes inspecting freight and transit lines, addressing hazardous conditions, and educating the public about rail safety.
In April 2025, RSD inspectors identified a tripping hazard at Union Pacific Railroad’s Yermo Yard near Barstow when they found car parts scattered too close to the tracks. The debris was removed within hours after being reported, ensuring worker safety. In May, similar action was taken at Sierra Northern Railway Canal Yard in West Sacramento when inspectors discovered and helped clear debris from the area.
From April to June 2025, RSD completed 728 track and yard inspections statewide and corrected 2,289 unsafe conditions. Inspectors also performed hazmat placard checks to ensure that hazardous material transports were properly labeled; one incident involved a missing placard on an LPG tank car that was corrected immediately.
The division conducted 117 safety assessments related to crossings and quiet zones during this period. These reviews aim to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle access while reducing noise levels in affected communities.
Rail transit systems across California are also subject to continuous inspection by RSD. During the second quarter of 2025, there were 93 separate inspections of public rail transit agencies. This led to the development of 43 Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), with an additional 52 prior CAPs closed during this time frame.
Community outreach is another component of RSD’s mission. Through programs like Operation LifeSaver, RSD delivered nine presentations in Q2 aimed at educating Californians about safe behaviors around railroad tracks and crossings.
Pat Tsen, Deputy Executive Director for Consumer Policy, Transportation, and Enforcement at CPUC said: “Our inspectors don’t just enforce the rules, they help keep families safe. Every debris cleanup, every crossing audit, it’s about getting people home in one piece.”
RSD also oversees safety certifications for major projects undertaken by public rail transit agencies such as BART, LA Metro, and Sacramento Regional Transit. As of June 2025, more than 27 major capital projects are under review by CPUC’s Rail Transit Safety Branch (RTSB). These projects support improved public transportation options across California as preparations continue for events like the World Cup and Los Angeles’ hosting of the Olympics in 2028.
Major rail transit agencies undergo audits every three years covering operations, maintenance practices, emergency procedures, and security measures to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any observed hazards by contacting CPUC’s Consumer Affairs Branch or participating in local Operation Lifesaver sessions.
