Other Suicide Sites - Train Sites

In recent years, train crossings and subway stations have been the site of numerous suicides. The problem has been pronounced in Palo Alto, California where multiple teenagers have thrown themselves in front of onrushing trains. A commuter line runs from San Francisco to San Jose with multiple stops en route, and passes near a Palo Alto high school, where many of the victims have been students. In 2009, CalTrain spent $17 million for signs, fencing, and pedestrian gates at street crossings to try and prevent train-pedestrian fatalities, with little effect. Security has been beefed up along 52 miles of track, which is helping some but the suicide problem remains.

Meanwhile, periodic suicides have continued at various BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations with people leaping in front of trains. BART officials have been working with BASCIA (Bay Area Suicide and Crisis Intervention Alliance), a group that includes representatives from all Bay Area crisis centers, the Bridge Rail Foundation and San Francisco Mental Health Association on preventative strategies. To date, signs have been added at BART stations promoting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (800-273-TALK), which is answered locally by Bay Area crisis centers. All parties involved recognize this is not sufficient and look to installation of physical barriers. However, no timetable has been set to address the problem.