WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) — On Wednesday, Amtrak unveiled a specially-painted locomotive to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Operation Lifesaver.
The P-42 diesel locomotive now features a black-and-yellow design with the message “See Tracks? Think Train!” on both sides. The message is to honor railroad safety education and awareness nationwide.
“Amtrak and Operation Lifesaver have been partners for many years with the goal of educating the community on the importance of avoiding high-risk behavior on or near railroad crossings and tracks,” Amtrak President Stephen Gardner said. “We are proud to celebrate Operation Lifesaver in reaching a critical milestone. When you see this distinctive Amtrak locomotive travel through your community, you will be reminded of the importance of rail safety.”
Officials say the “See Tracks? Think Train!” is one of several major campaigns that Operation Lifesaver uses to increase visibility and awareness around trains and railroad tracks.
The locomotive was unveiled Wednesday during a special ceremony at Washington Union Station. It will be used on routes nationwide.
203, Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver, P42 Amtrak painted P42 #203 in a striking Operation Lifesaver livery, promoting the organizations 50th Anniversary (in 2022) and to further the message of rail safety across North America. The black locomotive features contrasting reflective-white and Safety Yellow messaing, such as, ‘See Track, Thing Trains.’ The front of the locomotive has the familiar yellow and black Railroad Crossing Warning road sign wrapped around the nose, creating an eye catching visual. Photo by Matt Donnelly at Amtrak’s Washington DC Ivy City, shortly after being painted by the Beech Grove, IN facility. Amtrak has full rights, original copyright Matt Donnelly. 
203, Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver, P42 Amtrak painted P42 #203 in a striking Operation Lifesaver livery, promoting the organizations 50th Anniversary (in 2022) and to further the message of rail safety across North America. The black locomotive features contrasting reflective-white and Safety Yellow messaing, such as, ‘See Track, Thing Trains.’ The front of the locomotive has the familiar yellow and black Railroad Crossing Warning road sign wrapped around the nose, creating an eye catching visual. Photo by Matt Donnelly at Amtrak’s Washington DC Ivy City, shortly after being painted by the Beech Grove, IN facility. Amtrak has full rights, original copyright Matt Donnelly.
“Over the past five decades, Operation Lifesaver and its safety partners have helped reduce railroad crossing incidents by 84 percent, from 12,000 in 1972, the year Operation Lifesaver started, to 1,900 in 2020. But, there is still work to be done. Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train,” OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh said. “Thank you to Amtrak for their continued partnership in sharing the rail safety message and for supporting Operation Lifesaver’s 50th anniversary with this commemorative locomotive that will travel across the country sharing the rail safety message in a very visual way.”
