FRA unveils critical 'Operation Deep Dive' safety assessment of Metro-North

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sent its "Operation Deep Dive" safety assessment of MTA Metro-North Railroad to Congress on Friday, a report that was initiated following several incidents at the railroad over the past year that included a train derailment in December 2013 that killed four passengers.

The report raised major concerns about Metro-North's practices, including an "over emphasis" on on-time performance, an ineffective safety department and poor safety culture, and an ineffective training program, according to the report.

"The findings of Operation Deep Dive demonstrate that Metro-North has emphasized on-time performance to the detriment of safe operations and adequate maintenance of its infrastructure," the report stated. "This led to a deficient safety culture that has manifested itself in increased risk and reduced safety on Metro-North. This is a severe assessment, and it is intended as an urgent call to action to Metro-North’s leadership as they work to develop a comprehensive plan to turn Metro-North into a model of safe railroad operations."

The FRA directed Metro-North to submit plans by May 17 on ways to correct the problems identified in the safety department and employee training program.

After she received the report, U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) called on Metro-North to take "aggressive action" to improve its employee training and to instill in employees a commitment to safe operations.
 
"Safety must be the top priority, period," she said in a press release. "On-time performance is no excuse to cut corners that could put passengers at risk."

Also last week, Lowey — the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee – called on Congress to pass President Barack Obama's request for $825 million in mandatory funds to assist commuter railroads in implementing positive train control (PTC). National Transportation Safety Board officials have said PTC would have prevented the Metro-North train derailment in December.