Major event themes on the show floor included efficiency, with the bus industry working to improve fuel economy, in addition to the hybrid, CNG and all-electric buses on display. Safety and smart energy usage were a big focus in the rail industry, while a variety of IT companies presented their latest passenger information, ticketing and payment solutions.
In key areas, WMATA is not effectively balancing safety-critical operations and maintenance activities with the demand for passenger service, according to the FTA.
Its facilities, automated equipment and lean manufacturing process reduce labor content and minimize waste resulting in significant cost savings for standard or custom cable assemblies, box builds or other electromechanical builds.
While many acknowledge that the feds efforts to clean up the perception of the industry following some high-profile crashes has been effective, many are alarmed with the inconsistency that has come with increased inspections as well as how they are being used to create a score that is viewable by the public.
Close calls are safety-related issues or concerns, which could be anything from a passenger car door that opened on the wrong side of a train to a distracted conductor who was almost struck by a car being coupled in a rail yard.