Safety tech is getting smarter, and Caltrain is leading the charge with cutting-edge artificial intelligence designed to prevent potentially deadly accidents at train crossings.

The transit agency has deployed a sophisticated system called Railsentry at its Palo Alto station, utilizing advanced laser sensing technology and high-definition cameras to monitor track areas in real-time. This AI-powered solution can detect everything from stray dogs to abandoned backpacks and vehicles that shouldn’t be on the tracks.

According to Caltrain spokesperson Dan Lieberman, the system provides operators with instant, precise information about track conditions. “We’re getting daily reports about people and objects in areas they’re not supposed to be,” Lieberman explained. The technology allows train operators to react quickly, potentially preventing serious incidents.

The specific location in Palo Alto was chosen strategically. Between 2020 and early 2025, the Churchill Crossing required over 30 tow truck interventions to remove vehicles from the tracks, highlighting the critical need for enhanced safety measures.

Railsentry has already been implemented at the Broadway Crossing in Burlingame, which was previously considered California’s most dangerous train crossing. Caltrain plans to expand the technology further, with upcoming installations planned for the 16th Street crossing in San Francisco later this year.

This innovative approach represents a significant step forward in transportation safety, leveraging artificial intelligence to prevent accidents and protect both passengers and pedestrians. As technology continues to evolve, solutions like Railsentry demonstrate how smart systems can make our public transit infrastructure more secure and responsive.