National Selfie Day is Sunday, June 21. SEPTA welcomes photographers who safely take photos or video of the Authority’s vehicles and stations but we want to remind you that tracks are for trains not photo shoots.
There is something about trains and train tracks that attracts both professional and amateur photographers seeking a beautiful backdrop. However train tracks are not a safe setting for photography. In fact taking photos or filming on the tracks could result in a dangerous situation. No photograph is worth risking your life.
Entering the track area for any reason is not only dangerous it’s also illegal and considered trespassing. Engineers are not expecting trespassers to be in the train’s right-of-way aka the tracks. Even if an engineer sees a trespasser on the tracks the train cannot come to an immediate stop. There’s no slamming on the brakes or swerving out of the way.
No one should ever assume that there is a time when tracks are completely clear of train traffic. A train can come on any track at any time in any direction. The majority of train-related incidents are preventable. It’s called staying off the tracks.
Taking photos and videos on platforms can also be dangerous. Tripods can be tripping hazards to passengers entering and exiting trains. And lights on cameras and flashes can also be a distraction to or momentarily blind engineers.
For information on SEPTA’s film and video policy view here!