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

Date of Publication:  1981

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

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

Report No: NTSB-SIR-81-5

Abstract:

Since 1975, the National Transportation Safety Board has investigated more than 20 train accidents on rail rapid transit systems. These investigations revealed many safety problems which appeared to be industrywide in scope. Some of the problems were identified in more than one accident involving a single transit system.

The incidence of recurring industrywide safety problems heightened the Safety Board’s concern about the safety of these systems. Because of this concern, on July 28, 1980, the Safety Board convened the first National Public Hearing into Rail Rapid Transit Safety. During the hearing, which focused primarily on fire safety, the Safety Board heard testimony from 25 witnesses and subsequently presented its findings in its report, “Safety Effectiveness Evaluation of Rail Rapid Transit Safety” (Report No. NTSB-SEE-81-1, January 22, 1981). The evaluation identified serious fire safety problems and contained 31 recommendations for safety improvements.

During a 13-month period beginning about 1 month before the Safety Board’s public hearing, eight serious subway train fires involving passenger evacuation occurred on the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA). As these accidents were investigated, certain similarities among them emerged and are described in this report. The eight accidents resulted in 53 injuries and property damage to subway cars in excess of $500,000.