A US senator has had a close call with a train during a news conference on rail safety.

Richard Blumenthal was standing close to the platform edge during a speech by Milford Mayor Ben Blake, when a train hurtled past, disturbing a diagram.

The Connecticut Democrat called the news conference after announcing a $552,000 fine for Metro-North Railroad over "shameful" safety violations.

Metro-North says it has made tremendous strides in improving its safety culture.

Footage courtesy ABC