METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

August 7, 2018
1 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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

LADOT Launches Bus-Mounted Camera Enforcement
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

LADOT to Launch Bus-Mounted Camera Enforcement on DASH Buses

The program will begin with a 60-day warning period before citations are issued in January 2027, joining similar efforts across Southern California to improve bus reliability, safety, and accessibility.

Read More →
An A line MTA subway car near the soon to be replaced signaling system.
Rail•by Staff and News Reports•October 23, 2026

New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project

Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.

Read More →
New Standard Helps Transit Agencies Address Climate Risks
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•October 19, 2026

CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail

Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A San Diego MTS Copper Line vehicle
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•October 16, 2026

San Diego MTS Approves New Fare Evasion Penalty Program

The new administrative process will move eligible violations out of the criminal court system, cap penalties at $125, and provide flexible payment options for riders.

Read More →

RTC of Southern Nevada Reports 29% Drop in Transit Operator Assaults

The agency credits expanded security measures, employee training, and technology investments for improvements in transit safety, while security officers have responded to 19 suspected overdoses since July.

Read More →
Help Shape the 2027 Public Transit Conference
Management•by Alex Roman•September 29, 2026

Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open

The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic showing the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., with the headline “Safe Transit Act Proposes New Security Rules for Funding” and the METRO Magazine logo.
Security and Safety•by Elora Haynes•September 28, 2026

Safe Transit Act Proposes New Security Requirements for Federal Transit Funding

Proposed legislation would link federal transit dollars to safety measures while requiring security investments, onboard cameras, and new fare collection standards.

Read More →
Two MBTA railcars in station.

FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions

The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.

Read More →
Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•September 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DART's light rail station at 8th and Corinth
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•September 10, 2026

DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative

The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.

Read More →