The National Transportation Safety Board yesterday recommended that the MTA add more speed limit signs and cameras on Metro-North as the agency continues to investigate December’s deadly Bronx derailment.
The derailment spurred Metro-North to add permanent speed limit signs at four locations, including the site of the wreck at Spuyten Duyvil, but the NTSB wants a more “systematic approach” to the signs. The recommendation calls for signs at all locations where there are permanent speed restrictions.
The Metro-North was also asked to install audio and image recorders that face inward and outward on all locomotive and car operating cabs. The NTSB said these cameras should be able to record a minimum of 12 hours and be reviewed regularly to ensure the train crew is following safety rules.
“We have received the NTSB’s recommendations and we are studying them closely,“ Metro-North spokesman Aaron Donovan said.
“Metro-North is working with the NTSB to address questions about implementation of the report’s recommendations.“
NTSB chairwoman Deborah Hersman met with new Metro-North presiden Joseph Giulietti yesterday to brief him on the federal agency’s investigations and recommendations.
The Dec. 1 derailment, which killed four people and injured 59 passengers and crew members, is believed to be caused by the operator nodding off while the train barreled into a curve at 82 mph — far beyond the 30 mph speed limit.
Sen. Charles Schumer said that Metro-North should add these cameras as soon as possible and not wait until the Federal Railroad Administration mandates them.
“NTSB has confirmed what we’ve been saying all along — that inward and outward facing cameras will greatly improve safety on Metro-North and all other railroads,“ he said in a statement.
