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What makes a train stop and how does METRORail roll? The answers to that and other important railroading questions were answered for more than 20 Boy and Cub Scouts of the Sam Houston Area Council recently. The boys were the first to attend the Railroading Merit Badge Course at the Rail Operations Center (ROC) on a recent Saturday, and METRORail safety staff was on their toes, answering questions while teaching the ABC’s of rail safety.
METRORail safety manager Walter Heinrich, a Merit Badge counselor for Boy Scouts – helped the boys with the badge requirements. Heinrich enlisted METRO staff members to help present the basics of operations and safety.
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METRO's Walter Heinrich coaches local Cub and Boy Scouts up the track towards their Railroading Merit Badges. |
Gene Manuel, a Unit Commissioner for the Big Cypress District of the Sam Houston Area Council BSA in Northwest Houston was one of about ten parents attending. He was all eyes and ears as he accompanied his son Carter, a Webelos 2 Cub Scout who is now in the process of crossing over to the Boy Scout program. Manuel, a rail-buff, videotaped as the first group slipped on safety vests to tour the ROC - the hub of METRORail operations.
 The group enjoyed their time behind the scenes at the ROC facility, where they toured the rail command center, the repair and storage areas, and the Siemens trains being prepped for service on the new rail lines. They also got a trip on the train from the METRORail Fannin South Station and steaming hot pizza on their return to the building.
Heinrich, who escorted the boys throughout the day, says “The METRO Light Rail Safety Merit Badge Course is a fun and interactive way to educate Scouts about the basics of rail safety through Operation Lifesaver, as well as introduce them to Light-Rail Operations and the role of rail in public transit. We have a program that takes Girl Scouts through the rail safety program and are delighted to help boys learn these important concepts through Scouts.”
 “More than 2,000 Scouts and 800 volunteers participate in the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venture Crew and Sea Scout programs in the Cypress-Fairbanks area. My son Carter and I joined Cub Scouts when he was in first grade, and now he’s able to cross over to the many exciting activities Boy Scouts participate in - including Merit Badge Courses,” said Manuel. “Carter asked if he could participate in the METRO Light-Rail Safety Course to introduce him to what it takes to earn a merit badge and maybe pursue a career in the railroad industry.”
Manuel commented later, “Carter is enthusiastic about learning more about railroading and earning more Merit Badges because of this great behind-the-scenes experience.”
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