Taking back the tracks: Community begins clean up on UP right-of-way in L.A.

Written by RT&S Staff
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Crews begin the effort of clearing trash from Union Pacific tracks in Los Angeles.
Office of the Governor of California Twitter

The scene has gone viral. Train robberies in the 21st Century? Garbage filling the railroad right-of-way? Over the weekend the trash started to be apprehended.

Crews were out clearing the area on and around Union Pacific tracks in Los Angeles. Union Pacific has announced it will be constructing more fencing and also will have more security officers in the area. Rail thefts in Los Angeles County have increased by a stunning 160% over the past year. In October, thefts on Union Pacific trains increased 356% compared to October 2020. People have been breaking into railcars and discarding the garbage on-site. The California State Highway Patrol also will have an increased presence around the right-of-way.

Detection software and drone surveillance also will be put into use in an attempt to curb the illegal activity. Union Pacific is confident the robberies will start to decline.

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