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.
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."
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
Solving The Driver Shortage: What Transit Agencies Can Learn From the Trucking Industry
See how transit agencies facing persistent driver shortages can learn from the trucking industry’s evolving strategies for recruitment, retention, workplace conditions, and more.
Read More →
FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit
The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
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 →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone
NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →