LETTER TO THE EDITOR
San Marcos sits at the heart of a freight corridor, where trains are a daily part of life, moving goods, supporting the economy, and connecting Texas to the rest of the country. But where roads and rail lines meet, safety must be a top priority. This See Tracks? Think Train! Week (Sept. 1521), we’re reminded that rail safety is everyone’s responsibility— and that smarter infrastructure can help prevent tragedies before they happen.
Texas leads the nation in grade crossing collisions and ranks second for rail trespassing casualties. With more than 27,000 at-grade crossings statewide, including several in and around San Marcos, the risks are real. Nationally, 95% of railrelated fatalities involve grade crossings or trespassing, most of them preventable.
That’s why recent action at the state level is so important. Through Senate Bill 1555, Texas is launching a $250 million initiative to help local governments build overpasses, underpasses, and pedestrian crossings that separate road and rail traffic. These projects reduce congestion and save lives. But state action alone isn’t enough. Local leaders should also consider leveraging the federal Rail Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program, which since 2022 has awarded more than $1.6 billion to improvements at over 1,500 crossings nationwide. Together, these programs can make a significant difference in high-risk areas across Texas.
And as Congress works on the next surface transportation reauthorization, full funding for the RCE Program is essential. Railroads are already investing billions in safety upgrades—but communities need strong federal partners to get critical projects across the finish line.
Let’s use See Tracks? Think Train! Week to prioritize safety, prevent tragedies, and build a better-connected San Marcos.
Brett Sebastian, Texas State Director, Go-Rail
