Short Line Railway Helps Santa Make Advance Call

SAINT JOHN, NB, Nov. 13 /CNW/ - The Express Trackless Train will roll out Saturday afternoon along the Market Square Boardwalk between 1 and 4 p.m. in a party for kids coming to the Uptown Saint John Santa Claus Parade.

Carter Hickey , a New Brunswick Southern Railway engineer for more than 20 years, will operate the ride and help welcome the youngsters with railway caps and whistles. Lorrie Johnston , a community relations officer with NB Southern and an Operation Lifesaver volunteer, said everyone involved is looking forward to the event.

"Zany Lane, a kids group of singers, will perform Operation Lifesaver's Look, Listen and Live song with the children during the afternoon. The OL cross-buck flashing lights and bells will be operating and literature on children's safety around railway tracks will be handed out.

Operation Lifesaver is a joint initiative of the Railway Association of Canada , Transport Canada and their partners to reduce highway/railway crossing collisions and trespass incidents in Canada . There have been 56 related fatalities and 29 serious injuries to the end of September this year in the country, down from the five year average of 67 fatalities and 49 serious injuries.

For further information: Media Contact: Lorrie Johnston, NB Southern, [phone]; Dan Di Tota, Operation Lifesaver, [phone]