Metro News Release

For immediate release: May 12, 2010

Electronic speed sentry posted inside bus facility

Portable device helps control speeding at Metrobus division

Employees at Metro’s Landover Bus Division are getting extra help monitoring their speed since officials started using a portable speed-detection device at the facility about three months ago.

Called a “speed sentry,” the device monitors and displays the speeds of passing vehicles. It is about the size of a typical speed sign, and can be carried and set up by one person in minutes.

Barry Goldman, Maintenance Superintendent at Landover, purchased the $2,800 speed sentry as a proactive measure to increase safe bus operations. With about 170 buses and employees moving throughout the Landover facility daily, Goldman says the purchase was a smart investment.

“Speed in Metrobus facilities is 10 mph, which is hard to maintain for some people,” said Goldman. “But it’s a safe speed when you have vehicles and people moving in limited space. It just gives people more time to react.”

The speed sentry operates on 10-day, rechargeable batteries, allowing detection nearly anywhere. The device is typically placed near speed signs inside the Landover bus facility. An internal data recorder tells the number and speed of vehicles that pass the device. The data is used to chart speeding in different areas.

Managers at the Landover facility have made speed awareness a regular part of their safety conversations with employees. Speed has also been a topic at monthly safety committee meetings, where they discuss safe bus operations on routes, as well as within facilities. The discussions are part of Metro’s goal to make safety awareness a central part of its culture.

“Feedback on the device and emphasis on safety have been good,” said Goldman. “Most people understand the need to act safely. And in most instances, simply slowing down is all it takes.”

News release issued at 1:20 pm, May 12, 2010.