advertisement

---

MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) recently purchased several ProTran1 “Portable ProTracker” systems for a tunnel-construction safety pilot program.

Nationwide, trackworker train-related injuries have increased threefold since 2005, according to Federal Transit Administration statistics. Accidents led to the deaths of two NYCT subway workers earlier this year, and prompted NYCT President Howard Roberts to order a review of the agency’s safety rules and procedures.

“This is one of a number of initiatives we're working with [NYCT] to put in place to make sure the tracks are safer for our members,” said Roger Toussaint, president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, in a prepared statement.

ProTracker systems detect the presence of a train on a section of track, and then trigger flashing lights and sirens that are installed near a work zone.

If the pilot program is successful, NYCT will purchase additional units for use across the system, said spokesman Charles Seaton.

To date, ProTran1 has more than 200 contract commitments for Portable ProTracker units and systems from such agencies as Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Maryland Transit Administration, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Port Authority Trans-Hudson and Dayton RTD, with contracts pending with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Houston METRO, New Jersey Transit and other agencies, said ProTran1 Executive Vice President William Stroup.