The California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Rail Safety Division (RSD) is responsible for overseeing the safety of freight and transit rail systems across the state. The division conducts regular inspections and enforces regulations to reduce hazards and protect both workers and the public.
In April 2025, RSD inspectors found car parts scattered near tracks at Union Pacific Railroad’s Yermo Yard, which posed a tripping hazard according to CPUC General Order 118‑A. The debris was removed within hours, preventing potential injuries. A similar inspection in May at Sierra Northern Railway Canal Yard in West Sacramento led to quick removal of debris there as well.
Between April and June 2025, RSD completed 728 track and yard safety inspections, correcting 2,289 unsafe conditions. Inspectors also conducted hazardous material placard checks; for example, a missing placard on an LPG tank car was immediately addressed. During this period, there were 117 crossing safety assessments—including quiet zone reviews—to improve crossings for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
The division also oversees rail transit agencies statewide by inspecting facilities, vehicles, and operations. In Q2 2025, there were 93 separate rail transit inspections resulting in 43 Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), with an additional 52 prior CAPs closed during the quarter. Over 27 major capital projects are currently under review by the CPUC’s Rail Transit Safety Branch (RTSB), including those by BART, LA Metro, and Sacramento Regional Transit. These efforts support preparations for events such as the World Cup and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Every three years, major rail transit agencies undergo audits to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards related to operations, maintenance, emergency procedures, and security.
Community outreach is another focus area for RSD. Through Operation LifeSaver presentations—nine delivered in Q2—Californians receive education on safe behavior around railroads. “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,” said Pat Tsen, Deputy Executive Director of Consumer Policy, Transportation, and Enforcement.
Residents are encouraged to report observed hazards to the CPUC’s Consumer Affairs Branch via email at consumer-affairs@cpuc.ca.gov or participate in educational programs like Operation LifeSaver.
The full CPUC Rail Safety Division Q2 2025 report provides further details on recent inspections and ongoing projects.
