In reaction to the recent tragedy where two Metro employees were struck by an out-of-service train while inspecting the tracks, some new safety policies are being put into place. I’m not sure how to react, however. Is this just a public display of concern to show that Metro isn’t going to let this moment pass without some acknowledgement? After all, there have only been seven employees struck and killed by trains in Metro’s 30-year history. At the same time, maybe a bit of complacency among the employees has developed. Of those seven deaths, three have occurred this year.
Still, this says that Metro has been doing something right. Having taken the track safety course, I know that Metro takes this kind of safety very seriously and has had good procedures in place. I suppose that putting the new measures in place that require railyard operators to be notified when there are people out on the tracks is a good thing, but I thought that was something already done.
There should be no shortcuts on safety in situations like this. The inspection of the tracks on a daily basis is vital to the safety of those riding the trains, and it must be done. It should not, however, require the inspectors to put their lives at risk to do it.
Bus stops at intersections
In response to the new law in the District making it illegal to make a right turn in front of a stopped transit bus, Calvin writes: “For the sake of time and traffic, the newly passed law is very bad and confusing. The answer is to move the bus stop [to pick up or discharge passengers] at least four tofive car lengths from the corner or intersection. What is this law resolving? The new law will cause longer delays in traffic and increase road rage; handicapped passengers and impaired seniors will impose longer wait times on cars to make a right turn. The confusion comes when the street has two or more lanes and also the cross street [the street offering the right turn] has two or more lanes. The bus can make a right turn in the inner lane while the outside or second lane traffic can make a right turn in the second lane without crossing in front of the stopped bus. Is a ticket issued?”
The reason for having bus stops close to intersections is basically sound in that it encourages pedestrians from crossing at the signals rather than mid-block. I think the better solution is one that was floated by a reader earlier this year, and that is to move the bus stops to the other side of the intersection. This will allow traffic behind the bus to make turns as necessary while keeping the passengers let off the bus under the control of the signalized intersection. Is there a ticket? You bet. Beginning Jan. 1 the offense of turning in front of a stopped bus will cost you $100.
Questions, comments, random musings? Write to Steve@SprawlandCrawl.com.
