Metro-North Railroads connect New York and Connecticut, which is an important commuter link for daily commuters and others. So, if you are concerned about the safety system of the Metro North, you can learn the full details here.
Metro-North Safety System
The Metro-North Railroad operates the New Haven Line in Connecticut, which runs from New Haven to Grand Central Terminal, New York City. It also operates three branch lines extending the CTrail services, while the CTDOT owns most of the stations and trackage.
The Metro North company serves thousands of commuters on this line, hence safety is a major concern. The CTDOT successfully implemented the Positive Train Control on Metro-North Railroad in 2021 to enhance the safety system.
With an increase in fare charges, people are questioning the safety systems during heavy storms, flash flooding, and accidents on the railways. With the public safety concerns, the workers’ safety concerns are also an issue. The Federal Railroad Administration also reviews Metro-North Safety.
What are the key elements of the Metro North Safety System?
The Metro-North Railroad is advanced with a technological and enhanced system with the following key elements:
- Positive Train Control:
- PTC is an automated safety technology that detects railcar operational conflicts to prevent accidents or incidents associated with human errors. The PTC installation for the safety system was completed before 31 December 2020.
- The trains now automatically communicate the real-time update with dispatching offices, sharing train speed, positions, and other to the locomotive engineers.
- If the system detects fast speed or the possibility of collision, the PTC will intervene automatically, stopping the train or reducing the speed.
- EEPS:
- The Metro-North Railroad also keeps the workers’ security in check as they have implemented a technology-based system to protect workers. Workers working on tracks will be protected, as they will have the authority over the tracks until they are working.
- The system will show a working zone where workers are working to avoid any misroute or train entering the area.
- MTA received an award for the Enhanced Employee Protection System in 2016, too.
- Track and infrastructure:
- The Metro-North railroad has advanced systems like Plate Order System and ACSES that automatically manage the train movement and ensure the workers’ safety.
- The Metro-North railroads have automated warning systems and hold campaigns to spread awareness about the system.
- The Metro North
What is the review of the Federal Railroad Administration on Metro-North Safety?
The US DOT FRA reviews the Metro-North Safety system under the Operation Deep Dive, where they have conducted a 60-day safety assessment. Through the assessment, the FRA emphasized the following points and findings:
- Infrastructure Maintenance
- Safe operations
- Metro-North Leadership must put safety concerns as a priority.
- Safety Culture deficient
The FRA has recommended the following eight safety concerns for the Metro-North Railroad:
- Railroad operating rules,
- Track safety standards
- Train control systems
- Operations Control Center
- Locomotive engineers and conductors must have certificates
- Train Control Systems
- Safety Training for workers and employees
- Fatigue management for employees who look after the maintenance.
The review was made a long time ago, and the CTDOT and other stakeholders have started their work to provide better safety to the passengers and workers. Recently, the Metro-North Railroad requested to amend its Positive Train Control Safety Plan to update its Onboard Computer Software OBC 02.00.
How can you report something that you find unsafe?
If you find anything unsafe or suspicious on the Metro-North Railroad, you can contact the MTA or use the following methods:
- You can dial 911 and report the threat ASAP.
- Call MTA at 877-789-6669
- You can use the respective station Help Point intercom or reach out to a police officer or an MTA employee.
Common Safety Instructions for the Passengers
When you take the rail route, you should take care of the following common safety standards:
- You can complain about any issue to the MTA through their online form, such as any equipment failure, escalator failure, etc.
- If you find someone in need of help or assistance, you should immediately dial 911 and ask for assistance, tell the operator what the situation is, and they will send immediate help.
- If someone has fallen on the track and the train is approaching, flash your phone flashlight and wave your hands from side to side, the train driver will understand and stop the train.
- If you have faced some crime while traveling, such as sexual harassment or another you should immediately report to the MTA police or the NYPD Transit Bureau.
Metro-North Railroad and CTDOT have kept safety at its top priority and introduced technologically advanced systems to ensure both workers’ and passengers’ safety.
