Authors: U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Date of Publication:  September 1970

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Performing Organization:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Report No: NTSB-RSS-70-1

Abstract:

The National Transportation Safety Board has a continuing interest in improving safety in the Nation's transportation network. In fulfilling one phase of our objective in this respect, we are reviewing safety management procedures in mass transit systems.

Several months ago, Members of this Board and staff personnel reviewed proposed designs of the Metro System. On May 18, 1970, we advised of our continuing interest in the proposed Metro System, and arranged for staff conferences to assist us in developing information relative to the status of safety management of WMATA's proposed system. We advised we would consider some detailed matters of the proposed Metro System; however, no technical review was contemplated. Since that time, members of our staff have received complete cooperation from WMATA in determining how WMATA has approached safety in the development of the proposed Metro System.

A review of available materials and conversations with WMATA revealed that the WMATA approach to safety in the development of Metro consists mainly of reliance on the counsel and advice of consultants, with periodic review of the consultants’ decisions by WMATA engineering staff. We believe that a more systematic approach to the question of safety could result in a safer subway system.

In the attached study, we have outlined some of the identifiable high-risk areas of Metro that we believe would benefit from a system safety review of the proposed system. Additionally, we have recommended a program that will assist in identifying predictable hazards in the development stage of the Metro System.
 

No. of Pages:  37