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

Date of Publication:  July 1991

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

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

Report No: NTSB/SS-91/02

Abstract:

Annually, about 1.8 billion passengers ride on the rail rapid transit systems operating in the United States.  Although this form of transportation is generally safe, the potential exists for a substantial loss of life in the event of a collision, derailment, fire, or other emergency.  This safety study examines the adequacy of current oversight of rail rapid transit safety.  The safety issues discussed are the effectiveness of current oversight activities exercised by the States in which rail rapid transit systems are operating; the preciseness of rail rapid transit accident/injury data; and the Federal Government's role in the oversight of rail rapid transit safety.  Recommendations concerning these issues were made to the Department of Transportation, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, the District of Columbia, and States in which rail rapid transit systems are currently operating.
 

No. of Pages:  103