Metro News Release

For immediate release: November 19, 2009

Metro exploring warning signal program to enhance track safety

System would alert train operators of workers on the tracks

In its continuing efforts to strengthen and improve the safety of its track workers, Metro officials are working to develop a signal system that would alert train operators when track workers are on the tracks conducting maintenance or routine inspections.

The illuminated warning signal light would be installed at the front end of a rail station platform, where Metrorail trains stop. The signal would be turned on by track maintenance personnel prior to their entering the track area and it would serve as an additional notification to train operators that track maintenance personnel were working in the area ahead. The signal would serve as a reminder to the train operator to proceed at reduced speeds through the work zone.

Under the current policy, all track maintenance workers must alert the Rail Operations Control Center prior to entering the track area. Once that notification is made, the Operations Control Center staff alert train operators that track personnel are on the tracks, or the right-of-way and they are to operate at reduced speeds in that area.

“The piloting of this signal program would provide an additional layer of safety for our track maintenance workers who have to perform their assigned jobs in a safety-sensitive environment,” said Gerald C. Francis, Metro’s Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. “The signal system would also assist our train operators and remind them that when they see the light illuminated at the end of the station platform, they are to proceed with caution.”

Metro officials are looking to install and test the first warning signal by summer 2010.

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Media contact for this news release: Steven Taubenkibel or Lisa Farbstein at 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.

News release issued at 1:43 pm, November 19, 2009.