Metrolink peer review report - Ventura County Star

METROLINK COMMUTER RAIL SAFETY PEER REVIEW PANEL
Final Report – January 5, 2009
Issue Paper #5: Infrastructure and Maintenance
a. Maintenance of Way (MOW)
Issue Papers
Observations
The contractors at the primary level of performing track maintenance are experienced and have qualified senior
staff managing the various tasks for their assigned responsibilities. In addition, the contractors appear to have
sufficient staffing levels to accomplish the work duties assumed in the contract. The engineering standards that are
applied in the contract documents are appropriate and compliant with FRA regulations.
A few limited physical inspections were conducted, but given the time constraints of this review it was not
possible for the Panel to inspect Metrolink’s approximately five hundred mile rail network. Rather, the Panel
relied on a review of reports to determine if there was evidence of chronic rail problems that compromised system
safety. Such defects could include track geometry, track strength, supporting structures, substructure and
drainage. No chronic defects were evident that would pose an immediate safety concern.
Metrolink maintenance is tied to funding sources from six separate entities, a situation complicating planning and
scheduling of maintenance for given segments within the system. The Panel also noted concerns that specific
segments of the system do not have assured funding to maintain the current and anticipated level of operations
into the future.
Recommendations
a. Implement an electronic right-of-way asset management system that identifies trends and assists in hazard
analysis.
b. Require joint inspections by Metrolink staff and the contractor, which act as a check and balance in the
system.
c. Evaluate the adequacy of qualifications testing.
Background
Panel members, along with the Technical Team, interviewed senior staff from Metrolink and its various
contractors in the MOW and signal department. Metrolink’s passenger service requires Class 4 define track but
the agency maintains to a higher Class 5 standard. The Panel reviewed numerous documents that involve
engineering track standards and regulatory compliance for the Class 5 standard. In addition, the team reviewed
staff levels and management processes required to realize a safe, effective and compliant MOW function.
In and of itself, the MOW function is complex on any major railroad -- especially those involving higher speed (79
mph to 90 mph) passenger services. Metrolink has chosen to implement this function employing several
independent contractors. This implementation model adds a burden for contract specification development and
contractor oversight. An internal audit process is recommended to determine contractor performance and assess
safety performance frequently.
The MOW department is required to adhere to a very large set of regulations and personnel qualifications
promulgated by the FRA to ensure safety. All contractors functioning in this department must have a shared
communication forum that allows for system wide risk assessment. Both the contractor and SCRRA staff could
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