electronic control system

Metro discovers problems in additional track circuits

July 23, 2009

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has found additional “anomalies” in the track circuits designed to prevent collisions on its Metrorail system.

Read the full article →

Metrorail meets with vendors about train control backup

July 17, 2009

Following a recommendation from the NTSB to develop a real-time backup system for its train control system, officials from WMATA (DC) have begun meeting with vendors.

Read the full article →

Crash inquiry cites driver fatigue and MBTA safety systems

July 15, 2009

NTSB’s investigation of a 2008 crash on the MBTA’s Green Line light-rail system identified two key factors — driver fatigue, characterized as “micro-sleep,” and the absence of an automated collision avoidance system.

Read the full article →

NTSB urges Metro to add real-time backup

July 14, 2009

The NTSB issued an urgent safety recommendation to WMATA as part of its investigation into last month’s MetroRail crash, asking the agency to monitor track-occupancy data on a real-time basis.

Read the full article →

Denver tests automatic train-stopping system

July 6, 2009

Denver’s Regional Transportation District (CO) plans to introduce an automatic train-stopping system for its light-rail system.

Read the full article →

Metro circuit failed to detect hazard

July 2, 2009

Five days before last week’s MetroRail crash, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (DC) crews replaced a critical component of the system designed to keep a safe distance between trains.

Read the full article →

Metro crash exemplifies the paradox of automation

July 1, 2009

As investigators continue to sort out the causes of last week’s MetroRail crash in Washington, D.C., a story in The Washington Post focuses on the complex interactions between people and the automated systems designed to help them.

Read the full article →

SEPTA to inspect automatic train-control signals

June 29, 2009

SEPTA will inspect the automatic train-control signals on its 13-mile Market-Frankford Line following last week’s WMATA crash and a reported problem with the automated signals in Boston’s MBTA last month.

Read the full article →

Metro reviewing all train signaling circuits

June 26, 2009

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is inspecting every signaling circuit in the MetroRail system as a precaution after Monday’s deadly crash.

Read the full article →

Los Angeles officials monitor DC train crash investigation

June 26, 2009

Los Angeles transit officials are closely watching the investigation of Monday’s MetroRail train crash in Washington, D.C., because both agencies use similar train control and separation systems.

Read the full article →