Metrolink peer review report - Ventura County Star

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METROLINK COMMUTER RAIL SAFETY PEER REVIEW PANEL Final Report – January 5, 2009 Executive Summary Metrolink Enhanced Safety Action Plan: Upon completion of the safety review process, the Panel developed an Enhanced Safety Action Plan with recommendations on eight key issues identified by the Panel. In addition, short-term (six months), intermediate-term (18 months), and long-term (up to four years) milestones for each of the recommended actions to increase safety were developed. These recommendations can be seen in Charts 1 and 2. The eight specific areas are: 1. Safety Culture: While the SCRRA and contractor staff have a respect for safety and are aware of their impact on safety, the overall safety culture of the Agency should be enhanced. By ‘safety culture’ the Panel means an organizational culture that actively promotes and supports safety. The shared values, beliefs and assumptions result in behavioral norms that help prevent accidents. 2. SCRRA Organizational Structure SCRRA’s organizational structure plays a role in how safety functions are performed. The roles and responsibilities of some safety-related operational functions at Metrolink are not as defined as they should be. The Panel recommends that SCRRA operations oversight staffing level needs to keep pace with the Metrolink service growth and provide additional contractor oversight. The Panel recommended that an Organizational Analysis be performed for the entire SCRRA organization and across all departments. This analysis should be used to determine needed staff positions, the need for reorganization and reassignment of staffing positions and the clarification of the functions of the various SCRRA departments 3. System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) The Panel observed that SCRRA operations and safety staff do oversee the essential aspects of operations safety. This oversight is accomplished through their experience, knowledge, continuity of working relationships with contractor staff and continuous prioritization and reprioritization of needs and tasks. However, this oversight could be enhanced. The SSPP should be redrafted to reflect the recommendations in this report, specifically the organizational recommendations, and should reflect the results of the Organizational Analysis. 4. Safety Performance Measurements The key to safety performance measurements is conducting quality observations of safety critical employees and measuring performance and effectiveness of the Observation and Testing Program. The Panel has presented observations and recommendations in three key areas related to safety performance measurements: 1. Operational Testing Plans; 2. Responsibilities for Efficiency Testing; and 3. Observation and Testing Program Data Process. It was noted that SCRRA does not have an electronic data system; such a system would make the tabulation and evaluation of the results of Efficiency Testing much easier. New FRA regulations coming into effect in 2009 will require close monitoring of testing, including the development of testing plans to address deficiencies. It is 2
METROLINK COMMUTER RAIL SAFETY PEER REVIEW PANEL Final Report – January 5, 2009 Executive Summary therefore recommended that SCRRA acquire an Electronic Efficiency Testing System to manage data collection and analyze observation and testing data. 5. Infrastructure and Maintenance The Panel and technical team interviewed contractor staff and SCRRA oversight staff regarding the maintenance of way and equipment maintenance functions. These have been divided into segments addressing the main issues. Maintenance of Way (MOW) The MOW function oversees the maintenance of SCRRA right-of-way, track and structures. The contractor performing this service is responsible for maintenance and inspection. This department should implement an electronic right-of-way asset management system. Such a system will allow the agency to review maintenance and inspection data and utilize this data for trends and to enhance the long term capital maintenance program. Maintenance of Equipment The equipment maintenance function oversees the maintenance and inspection of Metrolink passenger rail vehicles. This group is responsible for maintenance of SCRRA facilities, vehicles (including passenger rail vehicles and other maintenance equipment) and inventory. It was noted that the oversight of the Central Maintenance Facility should be more clearly defined in order to improve the assignment of responsibilities. Infrastructure Upgrades SCRRA has several programs addressing the safety enhancement of the infrastructure. These should continue or be expanded as necessary. Specific programs include: 1. Grade Crossing Safety 2. Crash Energy Management 3. Grade Separations 4. SCRRA “Sealed Corridor” Program 5. SCRRA Double Tracking Program 6. Analysis of Metrolink Short Term Safety Projects The Board asked the Panel to review Metrolink’s Short Term Safety Projects. These projects were either accelerated or initiated after the Chatsworth Incident. These items include: a. In-Cab Video Recording: The Panel recommends the investigation, procurement and installation of inward facing video technology, with real time capabilities, in the operating cabs of Metrolink passenger equipment b. Positive Train Control (PTC): The Panel recommends that SCRRA accelerate the implementation of PTC and work with the BNSF, UPRR, Amtrak and the FRA on cost-effective design and deployment. SCRRA is proceeding with the installation of ATS at speed sensitive locations on an interim basis while the PTC system is being developed. The Panel recommends that any efforts to install this ATS system not preclude or take resources away from the implementation of PTC. c. Second Set of Eyes: The Board required that a “second set of eyes” specifically another engineer or conductor be stationed within the cab at critical locations in the SCRRA system, including single track territories. The Panel believes that if the short term safety improvements in the recommended Metrolink 3
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Metrolink peer review report - Ventura County Star

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