Panel requires WMATA to address two safety recommendations

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) last week issued recommendations requiring the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to develop corrective action plans that will address specific safety shortfalls.

The recommendations relate to radio communications in Metrorail yards and a lack of effective rules and procedures for the movement of vehicles in dark (non-signalized) territory in rail yards.

WMSC issued the two findings following risk-based inspections and other safety oversight work.

WMATA is required to propose corrective action plans to address the following within 30 days:

• maintain a fully functioning radio communications system in all rail yards and shops by identifying and resolving radio communications gaps in yards; and

• provide training on specific rules related to rail vehicle and switch movement in non-signaled territory, and clearly specify safety-based rules and procedures governing vehicle and switch movement in dark territory.