Metro News Release

For immediate release: January 6, 2010

Metro statement regarding Tri-State Oversight Committee's Rail Transit Special Safety Study – Roadway Worker Protection

Statement of Michael Taborn, Metro Chief Safety Officer

The report states that one member of the Tri-State Oversight Committee review team experienced a near-miss situation on Dec. 10, 2009. A train that appeared to be operating at full track speed passed the employees working along the tracks without appearing to slow or acknowledge the presence of the workers and inspectors. There were no injuries, yet Metro classified the incident as serious as one safety inspector was too close to the passing train. After the incident, the Metro track supervisor called an immediate halt to the inspection.

We regret that the incident took place. Fortunately nobody was hurt.

At the time the incident occurred, we classified it as a serious violation of procedures by the train operator, who should have approached the work zone at a reduced speed to help ensure the safety of the Metro workers and the safety inspectors. Working along the tracks is a risky job, and we aim to minimize the risks by having policies and procedures in place to ensure that we can provide the safest work environment as possible. The policy is that the train operators are to slow the trains as they approach a work zone. That policy was violated and an investigation was launched immediately. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

As to the rest of the Tri-State Oversight Committee’s observations and safety recommendations, we are treating them with urgency and are moving aggressively to implement a Safety Action Plan that was outlined to the Committee in the Dec. 29 letter.

Metro’s web site includes a safety page that has these related documents:
1. The Dec. 11, 2009 Tri-State Oversight Committee’s preliminary report;
2. Metro’s Dec. 29, 2009 four-page letter in response to the Tri-State Oversight Committee’s preliminary report, which includes an aggressive action plan; and
3. The Dec. 31, 2009 Tri-State Oversight Committee’s final draft report.

All of that is posted on our web site at this URL:

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/incidents_investigations_responding.cfm

News release issued at 7:40 pm, January 6, 2010.