Tech nerds, get ready for some next-level transit safety drama! Caltrain just dropped a digital bodyguard called Railsentry at its Palo Alto station, and it’s about to make train crossings look like a sci-fi movie.

The genius system combines laser sensing tech and high-def cameras to basically become the hall monitor of train tracks. Using artificial intelligence, Railsentry can detect anything from stray dogs to abandoned backpacks faster than you can say “machine learning”.

How This AI Keeps You Safe

Caltrain spokesperson Dan Lieberman spilled the tea on how this digital guardian works. “We’re catching people doing sketchy things near train tracks on the daily,” he explained. The system immediately alerts dispatchers when something looks sus, potentially preventing accidents before they happen.

Why This Matters

The Churchill Crossing, where Railsentry is installed, has historically been a problem child. Between 2020 and 2025, tow trucks were called over 30 times to remove vehicles from the tracks. Talk about a logistical nightmare!

The AI isn’t just a one-hit-wonder either. Caltrain plans to roll out this tech at other potentially dangerous crossings, including the Broadway Crossing in Burlingame and 16th Street in San Francisco.

So next time you’re near a train track, remember: Big Tech is watching, and for once, that might actually be a good thing.