What should you use to maintain contact while crossing a train?

Using a crossover platform is essential for safely maintaining contact while crossing a train. A crossover platform allows crew members to navigate over the track while minimizing the risk of tripping or falling as they transition from one side of the train to the other. These platforms are designed to provide a stable and secure surface, which is particularly important in a potentially hazardous environment like a rail yard where the movement of trains can create risks.

Options such as end of car structural bracing, safety ladders, and hand brakes do play respective roles in train operations, but they do not specifically address the need for safely crossing over the train. Structural bracing contributes to the integrity and stability of the train cars, safety ladders are used for accessing higher areas but may not offer the necessary stability for crossing over, and hand brakes are critical for securing a train but are not relevant to the act of crossing. Thus, the crossover platform stands out as the most appropriate choice for the task of maintaining contact while safely crossing a train.