METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NTSB: Event recorder was not functioning on day of NJ Transit crash

Officials are hopeful the data recorder in the cab control car in the front of the train is functional, but investigators haven’t been able to extract that recorder because it’s under a collapsed section of the train station’s roof.

October 3, 2016
NTSB: Event recorder was not functioning on day of NJ Transit crash

NTSB

2 min to read


NTSB

HOBOKEN, N.J. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that one event recorder recovered so far from the NJ TRANSIT commuter train that crashed in Hoboken killing one and injuring more than 100 more was not functioning on the day of the crash, CBS New York reports.

NTSB officials are hopeful the data recorder in the cab control car in the front of the train is functional, but investigators haven’t been able to extract that recorder because it’s under a collapsed section of the train station’s roof.

Ad Loading...

The train’s engineer, 48-year-old Thomas Gallagher, told investigators the train was operating properly before it crashed Thursday morning. The engineer also said the train was operating at 10 mph as it approached the station and that he has no memory of the crash.

Photos from NTSB #Hoboken investigation; https://t.co/N8iNRXis1X

— NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) October 2, 2016

Additional findings announced by NTSB over the weekend include:

  • With the assistance of NJ Transit, investigators obtained video from other trains that were at the Hoboken Terminal, to see what those cameras captured from the accident event. The event recorder and camera from the controlling cab of the accident train remain inaccessible to investigators.

  • The event recorder from the trailing locomotive #4214 has arrived at the recorder manufacturer’s facility in Kentucky and NTSB personnel are supervising the attempted download.

  • There were no signal anomalies found on the tracks leading to the terminal. A full signal study cannot yet be completed because the accident train remains in the terminal.

  • Investigators completed the walking inspection of the track and found nothing that would have affected the performance of the train.

ICYMI: #Hoboken NTSB Investigation Press Briefing for Sept. 30: https://t.co/1U6VjRNedl

— NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) October 1, 2016

Ad Loading...

For the full story, click here.


More Security and Safety

Security and SafetyJanuary 22, 2026

Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops

While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
CTA railcar in station.
Technologyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

CTA Innovation Studio Expands Pilot to Reduce Smoke, Odors

The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New MCTS Bus design.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

Milwaukee Rolls Out New Measures to Enhance Bus Safety

MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.

Read More →
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 15, 2026

SEPTA Crime Rates Continue Downward Trend, Report Finds

In addition, Transit Police reported strides in stepped-up enforcement of fare evasion and quality-of-ride offenses.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: Vontas Names New GM and Much More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
A overhead view of an LA Metro rail station platform.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 13, 2026

LA Metro Launches Care-Based Public Safety Division

The new division brings ambassadors, outreach, and crisis response together to improve safety, coordination, and rider experience systemwide.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanDecember 23, 2025

Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson

In this latest episode of METROspectives, we explore the evolving role of transit standards, including how they're responding to emerging technologies, climate change, and the growing need for equity and sustainability.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A an image of a CTA bus with text reading "FTA Warns Chicago to Strengthen Transit Safety Plan or Lose Millions in Funding."
Security and Safetyby StaffDecember 22, 2025

Federal Transit Administration Warns Chicago to Strengthen Transit Safety Plan or Lose Millions in Funding

USDOT found the Chicago Transit Authority’s safety plan insufficient to safeguard commuters on buses and rail, as crime on Chicago transit approaches a decade-high.

Read More →