All aboard: Norfolk Southern unveils 2026 Safety Train Schedule for first responder training

Jan 16, 2026

By Kasandra Jenkins, Senior Communications Manager

Norfolk Southern is rolling out the 2026 Safety Train schedule—bringing hands‑on, rail‑specific training to first responders across our network. Each stop is designed to help emergency personnel stay on track with the latest tools and tactics for responding confidently and effectively to a rail incident.

Kicking off in March with a visit to Goldsboro, N.C., the train is scheduled to make 16 stops in 2026, offering multiple days of free, hands-on training at each location.

2026 Safety Train Schedule

Dates and locations may be subject to change

Date	Location
3/10–3/12	Goldsboro, N.C.
3/24–3/26	Atlanta, Ga.
4/7–4/9	Irondale/Birmingham, Ala.
4/21–4/23	Dayton, Ohio
5/5–5/7	Belleview, W.Va.
5/19–5/21	Bluefield, W.Va.
6/9–6/11	Alexandria, Va.
6/23–6/25	Allentown/Bethlehem, Pa.
7/7–7/9	King of Prussia, Pa.
7/21–7/23	Pittsburgh, Pa.
8/4–8/6	Adrian, Mich.
8/18–8/20	Chicago, Ill.
9/8–9/12	SERTC Week
9/22–9/24	Frankfort, Ind.
10/7–10/9	Macon, Ga.
10/20–10/22	North Charleston, S.C.

Why it matters

Special Equipment: The train features specially equipped classroom box cars and tank cars.
OAR Program: It is part of NS’ Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) Program (launched in 2015) to educate the public about the importance of the safe movement of hazardous materials by rail and to connect emergency first responders in NS communities with information and training resources.
Hands-On Experience: The program provides in-depth, hands-on training for first responders across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network, covering a variety of crucial topics, including hazardous materials handling, rail operations, and emergency response techniques.
Successful Collaborations: In 2025, more than 5,800 first responders participated in OAR training, reinforcing Norfolk Southern’s role in fostering collaboration between railroads and local emergency responders.
Common carrier obligation: Norfolk Southern, like all Class I railroads, is required by federal law to carry a variety of materials, including hazardous materials needed by businesses to manufacture goods or products used in everyday life.

What they’re saying

“For years, Norfolk Southern’s Safety Train has played a vital role in strengthening emergency preparedness across the communities we serve. Its long track record of hands‑on training has helped build trust, deepen collaboration, and ensure first responders and railroad teams are ready to work side‑by‑side in any situation. Investing in these relationships isn’t just important to us — it’s essential to keeping people safe and informed when it matters most.” - Robert Wood, NS Director Hazardous Materials

Learn more

For more on the OAR program, visit joinnsoar.com. Information about how Norfolk Southern is working to keep communities safe is available at norfolksouthern.com/safety-in-your-community.

Kasandra Jenkins assists with external communications for Norfolk Southern, focusing on community impact, awards, and media relations. Kasandra joined NS in 2025, with more than 10 years of media relations, and corporate/crisis communications experience.