METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Cut power to prevent out-of-service 'ghost trains,' NTSB says

The agency, which released its initial findings on the Chicago Transit Authority crash, also recommended leaving brakes in a position to ensure that the trains can't move on their own.

October 7, 2013
1 min to read


CHICAGO — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says an unmanned "ghost train" involved in a Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line crash, which injured more than 30 riders, blew through five emergency mechanisms designed to stop it, reported NBC5 Chicago.

At each one, the train temporarily stopped, then started up again, because "the master lever on the operator console had been left in a setting that allowed the brakes to recover and reset from the emergency brake application."

Ad Loading...

The NTSB recommended that the power out-of-service trains should be cut, with brakes left in a position to ensure that the trains can't move on their own. For the full story, click here.

More Management

Mayor Tim Keller in front of an ABQ RIDE microtransit vehicle
New Mobilityby StaffMay 12, 2026

ABQ RIDE Forward's Next Phase Sets Target Date

ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.

Read More →
Managementby StaffMay 12, 2026

New Orleans RTA Signals Leadership Shift, Opens National CEO Search

During the meeting, the board approved a resolution invalidating a previously amended contract and authorized Board Chair Ann Duplessis to negotiate a separation agreement with CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
Railcar handles signifying transit usage
Managementby StaffMay 11, 2026

FTA Announces $28.5M Investment for Transit-Oriented Development Planning

The Pilot Program for TOD Planning helps support FTA’s mission of improving America’s communities through public transportation by providing funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning with a new fixed-guideway or core-capacity transit capital investment.

Read More →
Two Swedish public transit buses next to a Hitachi Energy infrastructure.
Managementby Elora HaynesMay 11, 2026

When the Buses Are Ready, and the System Isn’t

Transit agencies have moved past pilot projects, but scaling electrification is exposing a harder truth: the real challenge isn’t vehicles, it’s everything around them.

Read More →
Local, Federal, State, and LA Metro officials at the opening of the D Line.
Railby StaffMay 10, 2026

LA Metro Opens D Line Extension

The only new subway opening in the US this year, the D Line Extension represents one of Metro’s top transit priorities and a historic milestone for Los Angeles, with Sections 2 and 3 set to open in 2027.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover for Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon
ManagementMay 8, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
A Société de transport de Montréal transit bus driving past a grassy area with trees.
Managementby StaffMay 8, 2026

Montreal’s STM Reports Ridership Decline, Service Modernization Efforts

The transit agency cites labor disruptions, demographic shifts, and evolving rider needs as it advances safety initiatives, paratransit changes, and major infrastructure projects across its network.

Read More →
Maintenance officials examining a vehicle on a lift.
Managementby Alex RomanMay 8, 2026

Avoiding Mid-Season Breakdowns: A Fleet Readiness Q&A

John Hatman, COO of Master’s Transportation, breaks down the priorities, warning signs and common mistakes fleet managers should address now to stay ahead of summer demand.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A vintage TTC sign against a blue cloudy sky.
Managementby StaffMay 7, 2026

TTC Launches New Wayfinding Pilot, Announces Fare Capping Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

See how the TTC is testing a new wayfinding system at major subway stations while planning to introduce fare capping to make transit easier to navigate and more affordable for riders.

Read More →