NTSB finds city, freight operator to blame for fatal motorcoach crash
Cause of 2017’s collision was a failure to properly communicate that vehicles get stuck on the tracks.
BILOXI, Miss. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause of 2017’s fatal bus/train collision, which killed four people, was a failure by the City of Biloxi and CSX Transportation to properly communicate that vehicles get stuck on the tracks, WLOX reports.
The two entities were also reprimanded for not taking action to improve the safety of the grade crossing on Main Street, where the collision happened. NTSB announced maintenance that raised the crossing in 2014 resulted in nearly 20 incidents of vehicles getting stuck on the crossing, including the March 2017 collision, where an Echo Transportation motorcoach was stuck on the tracks when it was struck by a CSX freight train.
There were 15 findings from the NTSB investigation, including better communication and more proactive measures from every agency involved. Eleven safety recommendations came from the accident investigation, including more warning signs at these high-grade crossings, pre-trip safety briefings for bus trips, and warnings to railroad conductors about the numerous steep grade crossings in Biloxi. For the full story, click here.
More Security and Safety

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
LA Metro Sworn Officer Recruitment Draws 950 Applications on First Day
The California agency moves safety into its next phase, recruiting officers to help shape a transit-focused, community-centered force.
Read More →
FTA Plans Family-Friendly Transit Scorecard for Agencies Nationwide
The family-friendly transit dashboard is part of a broader effort by the FTA and U.S. Department of Transportation to increase transparency, accountability, and service quality across the nation's public transportation systems, said officials.
Read More →
New Public Safety Hub Opens in Downtown Houston
The substation strengthens METRO Police presence in an area where transit activity, pedestrian movement, and visitor flow converge.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
Federal Transit Officials Launch MARTA Safety Probe
FTA has given MARTA 15 days to provide records on crime prevention, fare evasion enforcement, and security funding as part of a broader safety investigation.
Read More →
Strategic Safety Measures at CATS Lead to Drop in Transit Crime
Under the leadership of the CATS Chief Safety and Security Officer, the organization has marked a pivotal transformation.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Evolving Enforcement-Only Models With Care-Based Safety Strategies
Transit agencies are redefining safety with care-based response models. See how leaders are improving trust and operations.
Read More →Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →