CTA's new campaign warns of trespassing dangers

Earlier this month, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) launched a new informational campaign reminding 'L' riders about the dangers of trespassing on track.

The campaign features messages that highlight dangerous activities, such as trying to retrieve items dropped onto tracks, standing too close to the edge of a platform or trespassing on railroad right of way. The messages also feature the tagline, "Stay off the tracks, it's not worth your life," CTA officials said in a press release.

"Safety has always been and will always be our No. 1 priority, in every facet of our operations," said CTA President Forrest Claypool. "We created the campaign as an important reminder to our customers and we believe it will help further promote safe behavior on our rail system."

Riders who enter CTA's right of way also face an encounter with the electrified third rail, which carries 600 volts — a level that is almost always fatal, agency officials said.

In 2012, CTA received more than 300 reports of riders entering the right of way. The vast majority involved people who made a conscious decision to walk onto the track, agency officials said.

The safety campaign's messages will be displayed on rail cars and on posters and digital messages at rail stations.