FTA proposes rule to stop trains from running red signals

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) yesterday announced a proposed rule that directs transit-rail agencies to address unsafe conditions and practices that result in trains running red signals.

The FTA's directive requires the agencies to use its Safety Management Systems (SMS) to identify, evaluate and help avoid or reduce the frequency and severity of consequences of stop signal overruns, FTA officials said in a press release.

General Directive 17-1 applies to transit-rail systems and State Safety Oversight Agencies. The agency is soliciting public comment on the proposed directive until March 20.

FTA officials define a stop signal overrun as a situation in which a train fails to stop as required in advance of a stop signal, flag or other indicator as specified in the transit-rail agency's operating rules and procedures.

"FTA considers a stop signal overrun to be a significant safety event, with the potential to result in the derailment or collision of passenger trains and the striking of workers, passengers or equipment on the rail-transit right of way," the directive states.

The FTA reported last year that stop signal overruns were on the rise at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).