Rail Safety, Security, & Emergency Management and Safe, Effective, and Clean Transit Excellence Awards

Rail Awards – Gold

Award: Rail Safety, Light Rail/Streetcar

Maryland Transit Administration (MD MTA), Baltimore, Maryland

Award: Rail Safety, Heavy Rail

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit, New York, New York

Award:  Rail Safety, Commuter Rail

Caltrain, San Carlos, California

Award:  Rail Security, Commuter Rail

MTA LIRR, New York, New York

Award:  Rail Security, Light Rail/Streetcar

Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), Portland, Oregon

Award: Rail Safety, Heavy Rail

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington D.C.

Award:  Rail Emergency Management

MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York, New York

Rail Awards – Certificates of Merit

Award:  Rail Safety, Commuter Rail

MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York, New York

Award:  Rail Safety, Commuter Rail

MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), New York, New York

Award:  Rail Safety, Light Rail/Streetcar

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Santa Clara, California

Award:  Rail Security, Commuter Rail

MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York, New York

Award:  Rail Security, Commuter/Intercity Rail

Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT), Newington, Connecticut

Rail Awards – Gold

Award: Rail Safety, Commuter/Intercity Rail

MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York, New York

Fallen leaves crushed by passing trains form a residue that reduces rail-adhesion. This friction creates “slip-slide” conditions that result in unsafe braking and wheel damage resulting in “flat-spots,” costly repairs, and the removal of equipment from service. In response, Metro-North’s retrofitted “Comet III” train used lasers to remove contaminants, but only at 25 mph or under. With the speed restrictions, “Comet III” could only operate outside of service hours, so enhanced measures were needed.

Laser Precision Solutions began testing high speed lasers in England. Increasing operating speeds to 60 mph would allow Metro-North to create a schedule that addressed 572 miles of affected track daily and the ability to treat areas with high incidents up to twice daily.

While this technology showed potential, it was not ready for operation as it also introduced new complications. Shields positioned on the equipment were needed to contain debris and block bright lights. However, the shield had to be lifted as the train approached an interlock, switch, or grade crossing. GIS data was used to map those locations and program the train to turn off the lasers and lift the shields with accuracy. Due to this, Metro-North was able to deploy the train safely at 60 mph during service hours.

Since its activation in October 2022, the laser train has safely covered 12,132 miles without incident to infrastructure. 2022, saw the lowest number of cars shopped for wheel truing in the last seven years and slip and slide incidents have also decreased, saving the railroad up to $1.6 million.

Award: Rail Safety, Light Rail/Streetcar

Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) Portland, Oregon

In 2021, TriMet entered a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to pursue a Safety Research Demonstration (SRD). The project utilizes Video Analytic System (VAS) data at grade crossing locations to catalog pedestrian, motorized and non-motorized vehicle traffic counts, direction of travel, and heat map data. The quantitative human behavior data from the VAS is collected and compared with incident data.

The program objectives were to identify and categorize grade crossings, using a newly developed Risk Ranking Tool (RRT) to prioritize adjustments in safety enhancements. The tool would be used to measure the relative risk associated with existing conditions for grade crossings. Tri-Met could prioritize future safety enhancements at grade crossings, based on the findings from the RRT. Upgraded camera technology and data analytics were used to understand risks and incidents at grade crossings.

Data collected could be used in future considerations of incidents, by assessing the potential efficacy of new safety treatments to support risk reductions. The period of performance for the project is July 2021 through June 2025. While this demonstration is still underway, TriMet has  data to support positive safety impacts and promising transferable outcomes.

Award:  Rail Safety, Heavy Rail

Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), Oakland, California

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) established a fire life safety (FLS) program to improve the agency’s safety culture. The program addresses the areas of inspections, training and exercises, and fire prevention support. The program has resulted in improvements in emergency response compliance, equipment operability, and fewer station inspections deficiencies. Every BART facility is assessed each year to identify hazards and formulate appropriate mitigations.

Another outcome of the program is an improvement in the relationships between BART, law enforcement and fire fighters. In 2022, over 600 first responders attended 61 training and familiarization events: including 5 full scale exercises and 6 tabletop exercises. The FLS program is modeled on the safety management system framework. Through inspection, education, and communication, the FLS program has improved BART’s ability to identify hazards. By centralizing FLS activities, other transit systems can benefit by promoting a fire safe culture and improving fire department-related incident outcomes.

Award:  Rail Security, Light Rail/Streetcar

Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) Portland, Oregon

In June of 2020, TriMet leadership reallocated nearly $2 million in funding to identify agency-wide efforts to improve safety, security, and the customer experience. TriMet conducted extensive community engagement and gathered feedback from more than 13,000 riders, frontline employees, and community members. TriMet established a blue-ribbon panel of local and national experts to advise on national best practices for transit security, equity and community engagement in safety and security. These actions were the first step in what would become a multi-year project called “Reimagining Public Safety & Security on Transit.”

With the Reimagined Security Program, TriMet utilizes a “community engagement first” approach. This has led to a multifaceted security team and data-based deployment strategies that maximize a security presence on the system. This approach allows TriMet to identify the best team to respond to and address issues, better utilize resources, and avoid unnecessary escalation. TriMet increased the number of Customer Safety Supervisors and contract security officers, and nearly doubled the non-police presence on the system from 2021 to 2022. Utilizing both static teams at rail transfer points and roving teams, the presence is more visible to customers and discourages inappropriate behavior on the system.

In addition, TriMet’s extensive camera network provides monitoring in real time, verifying reported incidents and allowing for the deployment of appropriate resources for improved outcomes. The security camera network assisted Tri-Met’s law enforcement partners apprehend suspects in 49 homicide investigations and 57 shooting cases in 2022. By reimagining their security approach and moving to multifaceted, multi-tiered security teams and a more strategic approach, TriMet increased security for riders, employees, and the communities they serve.

Award:  Rail Security, Heavy Rail

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Atlanta, Georgia

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department, in collaboration with the Atlanta Police Department, created a Joint Bike Patrol Team (JBPT) to improve the safety and security of MARTA employees and passengers. While bike patrols may be customary, the novel concept of joint bike patrols by police departments with shared authority combines resources, expertise, and the robust delivery of law enforcement services.

Benefits of the JBPT include improved response times to calls for service, a decrease in crime, and enhanced relationships between law enforcement and the public. Police bike patrols can navigate rail stations, parking lots, bus garages, the right-of-way, alleys, and crowded streets, which might prove difficult for police vehicles. Added benefits of bike patrols and pedal power are health promotion and a reduction in greenhouse gases. By partnering with the Atlanta Police Department on the joint bike patrol, the MARTA police and rail leadership team have strengthened relationships with employees and passengers, promoted collaboration between law enforcement and rail operators, and improved communication and information sharing.

Award:  Rail Emergency Management, Commuter/Intercity Rail

MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York, New York

Metro-North created a dual level high-water alarm system to mitigate flooding and reduce impacts to rail service. The high-water alarm system monitors water conditions in specific flood-prone areas and detects high water levels at different height intervals, which provides additional time to assess and initiate corrective actions. This system enhances safety, protects equipment, reduces long-term expenses, and allots more time to reroute trains.

Metro-North has been able to operate in a normal capacity during storm related events without having to dedicate staff and equipment to monitor flood-prone locations, thus freeing those assets for deployment, where needed. While high water alarms are available on the market, the unique aspect of Metro-North’s alarm system is the duality of the alarms, alerting at multiple locations. Metro-North’s system uses two, one-alarm systems set at different thresholds, in the same area. The Operations Control Center is alerted, in real time, to any flooding around the alarm trigger and can warn trains and dispatch personnel immediately. This time savings translates to a reduction in stranded and/or flooded trains. This system can be adopted by other systems that currently have high water alarms, by a retrofit to a two-level alarm system.

Award:  Rail Emergency Management, Light Rail/Streetcar

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Dallas, Texas

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) operates in numerous jurisdictions. Pre-COVID, DART would activate their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) adjacent to the police, bus, and rail dispatch centers for major events. During the pandemic, DART utilized Microsoft Teams ® (Teams) in lieu of in-person meetings to adhere to COVID protocols, so it became an inherent choice for a virtual EOC.

After the pandemic, DART employed a hybrid emergency operations center, which allows the EOC to be activated at any time. Personnel with emergency management duties who happen to be off-duty or away from the office can gain access to the EOC via a cell phone or an at home computer. The hybrid EOC allows operational personnel to be at critical locations to gather and share information, as if they are sitting in the EOC. Meetings using Teams include the use of CCTV feeds, light rail tracking, and a live feed chat room that provides critical information for response and recovery.

Hosting EOC meetings on Teams has added clarity to the management of incidents and special events. Information can effectively be communicated through a series of Teams meetings and no additional costs were incurred. Transit agencies that use Teams can replicate this hybrid EOC alternative.

Rail Awards – Certificates of Merit

Award:  Rail Safety, Commuter/Intercity Rail

Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), Los Angeles, California

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) contracted with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for grant funding to pilot a project integrating the US Geologic Survey “ShakeAlert” with the Metrolink’s Positive Train Control (PTC) system along the system’s Perris Valley line in an application named the Commuter Rail Seismic Interface (CRSI). The objective of the project is to develop, test and implement the automation of the ShakeAlert notifications with the PTC system to stop or slow a train upon notification of an earthquake. CRSI is an interface that receives the early earthquake notifications from ShakeAlert and initiates PTC messages to stop or slow trains based on business rules, geo-fencing of train locations and shaking levels determined in the application. Prior to this project, notifications to train crews regarding earthquakes were handled via radio communication once dispatch personnel had been notified of earthquakes. Testing and monitoring have shown the overall system to be highly reliable and effective at providing the functional outcome of reducing the time it takes for an earthquake alert to reach the trains identified by CRSI. System-wide deployment across the remaining lines that Metrolink trains operate on is expected to be completed soon.

Award:  Rail Safety, Light Rail/Streetcar

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), Sacramento, California

The growing population of people experiencing homelessness is a national concern that impacts public transportation providers. The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) has worked diligently to reduce trespassing along the rail right-of-way (ROW) by people experiencing homelessness. While placing emphasis on addressing the needs of this vulnerable population, SacRT used a crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) assessment, as part of the North 12^th Street Safety Program. The program includes the use of a social equity first approach. The main contact with the ROW trespassers is a SacRT social service practitioner, not law enforcement. The program is data driven using a before and after trespasser count as a dataset. A new partnership between SacRT and community-based social service organizations has been formed. Existing partnerships between SacRT and the City of Sacramento were expanded, to include construction of physical barriers and done in partnership with the City of Sacramento. Finally, the use of law enforcement officers to obtain compliance was kept to a minimum to improve the quality of the engagement between SacRT’s social service practitioner and the “client” trespasser. The effectiveness of SacRT’s North 12th Street Safety Program resulted in a 19.2% reduction in ROW trespassing within the study area, between calendar years 2021 and 2022.

Award:  Rail Security, Light Rail/Streetcar

Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA), Buffalo, New York

To test their preparedness and response capabilities, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) planned a multi-jurisdictional tabletop exercise that included personnel from the Buffalo Fire Department, NFTA Transit Police, the Buffalo Police Department SWAT team, the American Medical Response (AMR), the Transportation Security Administration and staff from NY State Safety Oversight. American Public Transportation Association security standards and the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Guide directed planning for the exercise. The exercise goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of current NFTA procedures, resources, and training. After the exercise, an after-action hot wash was performed with all participants and areas for improvement were identified. Feedback from the tabletop evaluators and the hot wash validated that the guidelines used created a successful and objectively driven exercise that was a benefit to all participants and will result in improvements in NFTA’s emergency response in the future.

Award:  Rail Emergency Management, Light Rail/Streetcar

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) All-Hazards Plan provides guidance to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies resulting from a hazard. The plan’s goal is to provide a safe environment for RTA employees, contractors, customers, and the public. The plan facilitates coordination of emergency management and response operations within the city of New Orleans and amongst partners. Successful coordination and communication are crucial during an emergency response and effective emergency management is critical to protect Authority employees, passengers, critical infrastructure, and resources. To ensure that RTA leadership and management abilities align to direct response efforts, RTA has focused on familiarizing all staff with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) training. RTA has been reshaping plans and creating new strategies that will support all hazards efforts during weather and other catastrophic events.

SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Gold Winner

• British Columbia Rapid Transit Company, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Certificate of Merit Winner

• Regional Transit Authority (RTA), New Orleans, Louisiana

 SECURITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Gold Winner

• The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), Miami-Dade Transit, Miami, Florida

 Certificate of Merit Winner

• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington, DC

Rail Awards – Gold

Award: Rail COVID-19

Member Type & Size: Light Rail/Street Car

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)

In March 2020, the leadership at the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SD MTS) responded to the growing COVID-19 pandemic quickly and decisively. SD MTS increased sanitizing efforts and implemented programs to keep agency employees safe, along with maintaining high service levels for the public. Back in 2017 when there was a Hepatitis A outbreak in San Diego, SD MTS had a Clean Ride Safely campaign in place, so SD MTS only had to expand upon this initiative with the additional practices and recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). SD MTS cleaned their trains and buses more frequently and used new ways to keep the system safe and fully sanitized for passengers. For riders, SD MTS provided masks and hand sanitizers for passengers to use while onboard the SD MTS system. They also provided handwashing stations at all Trolley stations as well as select transit centers. In addition, SD MTS added longer trains on the system to help with social distancing and to provided larger physical distances between passengers. Overall, SD MTS’s response to COVID-19 included measures for enhancing safety and health practices throughout the system, and to ensure the safety of SD MTS’s workers and passengers.

Award: Rail COVID-19

Member Type & Size: Heavy Rail

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA)

Through their Rail COVID-19 response program, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) implemented ways to keep high traffic areas sanitized, along with implementing additional safety measures at their property. GCRTA purchased Moonbeam3 disinfection technology which allows surfaces to be cleaned in only 90 seconds. This was used to clean where chemicals cannot, such as keyboards, radios, etc. The Moonbeam3 was also used to keep sanitized masks that employees use and fully sanitized them within 5 minutes. GCRTA also made cleaning of high traffic areas a priority, and this was done when there was low traffic to ensure that the areas and surfaces got the most thorough cleaning when there is zero interruption by passengers coming through. GCRTA utilized technology to keep surfaces clean for their workers and riders, along with implementing CDC standards for safety and health.

Award: Rail COVID-19

Member Type & Size: Commuter/Intercity Rail

Trinity Metro

In late February 2020, Trinity Metro began meeting daily to begin efforts in reducing exposure to COVID-19 for both employees and riders. Plans included implementation of safe operations, clear communications agency-wide, and reduced risk of contact for all. By mid-February 2020, very early on in the pandemic, Metro Trinity had already conducted two weeks of planning and preparation for how to respond to a potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. They did this by reaching out and coordinating with the local Tarrant County Public Health Department and the Fort Worth Office of Emergency Management. In addition, Trinity Metro developed Coronavirus Reduced Exposure Action steps agency-wide, which included steps on how to communicate, improvement of training on cleaning for vehicles and shelters/stations, and how to obtain the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Further, Trinity Metro implemented social distancing on vehicles and in stations; rolled out temperature screenings for employees; and handed out masks, gloves, face shields, and hand sanitizers to employees and riders upon request. Trinity Metro’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic created effective measures that helped to keep both workers and riders safe.

Award: Rail Safety

Member Type & Size: Commuter/Intercity Rail

MTA Metro-North Railroad

The MTA Metro-North Railroad implemented a new safety system that provides Power Directors (PD) and Rail Traffic Controllers (RTC) a way to block a segment of de-energized tracks electronically, thus ensuring that the electrical work will be done safely. Prior to this installation, this was done manually, and the process was both lengthy and fallible. This new system only allows the PD to be able to re-activate the plates, but the RTC must either approve or deny the work to be done initially. The work done is recorded and is transparent between both the RTC and PD. POPS, which is a computer-based program, allows only for the restriction to be on the deenergized areas, leaving two tracks out of service. POPS eliminates mis-routed trains from getting close to the de-energized tracks, which protects the employees working in the limits that are deenergized (and thus creates a much safer environment for track workers and those working on the right-of-way) Since the implementation of POPS, there have been zero violations from 2020-2021 with a total of 15,793 plate orders. With the new system, RTC’s can now view previous orders, train movement, and stations graphically and makes it easier to decide if the work can be done or not safely in a certain area. With these changes, it has led the MTA Metro-North Railroad to have a much safer and well-integrated system for railroad employees. This system is also very innovative and can be emulated by other railroads and rail transit properties in the future.

Award: Rail Safety

Member Type & Size: Light Rail/Street Car

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

To improve safety on their system, The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) created an agency safety plan, along with establishing four cross-functional working groups to address any findings and recommendations. These cross functional work groups will address findings and recommendations to the agency’s safety panel. In addition, on the MBTA Green Line, there have been mitigations implemented to help with the issues of speeding. These mitigations include: better communication with operators regarding the importance of speed hazards, along with updating schedules and speed signs that more accurately reflect the system conditions on the green line. Digital speed signs were also added in certain tunnel locations to display how fast a train is moving. The final safety mitigation implemented by the MBTA is a RADAR and LIDAR audit program, to keep speeds monitored in key locations during various times of operation. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has implemented these safety improvements and mitigations to help keep employees and customers safe all along the green line and other parts of the MBTA rail network.

Award: Rail Security

Member Type & Size: Light Rail/Street Car

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT)

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) encountered many marches, protests, and demonstrations last year as a result of providing transit services in California’s state capitol. SacRT created an Ops Emergency Response Team to be able to monitor the events as they occurred and provide real-time intelligence to various departments and agencies. This allowed SacRT and other regional transit agencies to anticipate changes, analyze whether protests were supposed to be peaceful, the time, location, and date a protest would take place; and how large a protest was anticipated to be. Light rail vehicles were moved from the normal staging area located at the 13^th Street and Sacramento Valley Stations. This helped to protect SacRT employees, assets and conveyances.  When intelligence or information was received, SacRT would relay the information through social media, the Alert SacRT app, district websites, on light rail station electronic sign boards, and on the public address system. SacRT utilized a comprehensive camera system to provide real time information which allowed for a nimble service plan.  Using FTA and APTA resources and guidance, working closely with the city police department, conducting drills and exercises, activating the emergency operations center and leveraging partnerships, SacRT proved effective in securing SacRT employees, passengers, assets, and conveyances which resulted in no injuries or damage while supporting the demonstrations and marches that occurred.

Award: Rail Security

Member Type & Size: Light Rail/Street Car

Société de transport de Montreal (STM)

The Société de transport de Montreal (STM) began partnering with a community organization called the Société de développement social (SDS) in 2012, on an initiative to create a service point for persons who are unsheltered and frequent STM stations.  This initiative allows STM to benefit from the expertise of social workers who provide a service point near a downtown station where people can receive services such as food, clothing, social and cultural assistance.  Since the implementation of this program, the number of interventions has increased from 430 to 8,600 per year, and more than 1,100 people have benefited from the support offered by the SDS team. An additional social worker was added to the   winter intervention plan which is deployed every year.  In mid-November 2020, STM created a new team consisting of an STM inspector and a social worker. This team, called the Metro Intervention and Cooperation Team (MICT), seeks to facilitate the harmonious existence of business owners, STM employees, passengers and the unsheltered community. The intervention team’s presence in stations adds to the safety of employees, businesses and a vulnerable population. By leveraging improved communication, STM inspectors and police officers along with the social services provided by community organizations, have increased safety and security on the STM system and reduced misconduct.

Rail Awards – Certificates of Merit

Award: Rail COVID-19

Member Type & Size: Light Rail/Street Car

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro)

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) started developing safeguards and mitigation strategies to help ensure the safety of its riders and employees, shortly after COVID-19 spread to the Houston region in March 2020. Houston Metro pledged to help further protect passengers and employees from COVID-19 by becoming a part of APTA’s Safety and Health Commitments Program. Some of the major things Houston Metro implemented to combat COVID-19 included: enhanced cleaning efforts, social distancing strategies, partnerships with emergency response, and an increase in communication and education campaigns. With Houston Metro’s implementation of APTA’s Health and Safety Commitments along with implementation of other safety-related efforts, the agency increased health and safety for its employees and customers throughout the system.

Award: Rail COVID-19

Member Type & Size: Commuter/Intercity Rail

San Bernadino County Transportation Authority

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the San Bernadino County Transportation Authority used electrostatic sprayers on their train cars. These sprayers mist hospital-grade disinfectant on all areas of trains, including seats, walls, and polls. San Bernadino also installed antimicrobial air filters on all the train cars to ensure that passengers and employees are breathing in safe and clean air. An app/online feature was added for riders called “How Full Is My Train?” This online tool allows riders to see how full the train is before boarding, to ensure the rider can make an informed decision and feel safe when riding a train. San Bernadino County Transportation Authority also implemented CDC recommendations, along with all state and local recommendations as they pertain to COVID-19. The San Bernadino County Transportation Authority response to the COVID-19 pandemic exhibited the agency’s clear dedication to keeping both employees and customers safe while riding the system.

Award: Rail Safety

Member Type & Size: Commuter/Intercity Rail

New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit)

The New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) increased safety on the system by installing a Positive Train Control (PTC) system throughout the State of New Jersey. This installation has helped to reduce accidents due to human error and enforced speed restrictions by engineers and operators. With PTC, real-time information is provided on track conditions and, when necessary, the system will prevent hazardous incidents, including restricting the speed of trains that are traveling through speed-restricted zones. With the implementation of the PTC system, NJ Transit hopes to greatly prevent human error incidents on the statewide commuter rail network.

Award: Rail Safety

Member Type & Size: Light Rail/Street Car

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA)

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) overhauled and upgraded their current safety program, by implementing new and updated comprehensive safety-related processes, tools, and initiatives at the agency. To do this, the RTA implemented a SMS framework promoted by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the State of Louisiana. With the implementation of the agency’s SMS-based Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) requirements, it resulted in a sharp decrease (40%) in automotive liability claims in comparison to the previous year (2019). With the implementation of the SMS and the Agency Safety Plan, the New Orleans RTA showed great improvement in safety, and this produced a sharp decrease in liability claims at the transit agency.