pacotelic ([info]pacotelic) wrote,
@ 2009-06-22 21:34:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend  Next Entry
The Metro Accident
Why didn't automatic block control prevent this?

(6 comments) - (Post a new comment)


[info]dmlaenker
2009-06-23 01:46 am UTC (link)
Because, once again, they turned it off.

A lot of drivers have been forgetting that 8-car trains go to the end of the platform, so they've been pulling into the station with the two rear cars opening up into thin air. So they've been trying to get conductors to pull as far to the end of the station as possible if they have an 8-car train.

Keep in mind I don't know whether this would factor into this particular incident, because I don't have much data. It's just a theory so far.

(Reply to this)


[info]pacotelic
2009-06-23 01:57 am UTC (link)
Interesting lack of procedures. When did they do this before? I know Metro's no BART, but it beats hell outta SEPTA for automation. I had no idea you could turn safety features like this off. It is interesting to see the transit system with the biggest system of unredeemed fare collection that I've seen go through budget crises and deferred maintenance. I suppose this makes MARTA lean and mean.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]dmlaenker
2009-06-23 02:23 am UTC (link)
When did they do this before?

Some time in the 1990s, drivers were complaining about a lack of appropriate response times and wanted to be able to override the automated systems in the interest of safety. A couple of derailments later - notably at Glenmont and Mount Vernon Square - I think they went on again.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]aubieturtle
2009-06-23 07:18 pm UTC (link)
IIRC, the MARTA derailment a year or so ago happened when an operator put the train on manual control with the permission of a supervisor but without contacting rail control. The best automated system in the world can be defeated by a single person cutting corners.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]galbinus_caeli
2009-06-23 03:46 pm UTC (link)
I thought one of the trains derailed into the path of the other.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]pacotelic
2009-06-23 09:55 pm UTC (link)
No, one train ran into the back of a stopped train, causing the derailment. The anti-risers failed at that speed, and much of the back car of the stopped train was destroyed under the moving train. I don't know what the statute is for fatalities from an accident in the US (in Japan its a mere 24 hours), but I suspect the number of dead within the month will rise above 12.

Thankfully, the collision happened on the inbound direction in afternoon rush. Like MARTA, DC metro is a suburban-urban commuter service, in schedule and topology. Unlike MARTA, DC actually has a majority of commutes between the suburbs and the city. Something about a leader of the free world + second highest per capita defense spending.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

(6 comments) - (Post a new comment)

Create an Account
Forgot your login or password?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…