WMSC COO Samarasinghe is being made Acting CEO as Dr. Mayer is out on a personal leave of absence. The motion is retroactive to Feb 17th. Samarasinghe previously ran the Tri-State Oversight Committee (prior to FTA safety oversight, prior to the WMSC) #wmata
"deliberate deviations"
https://twitter.com/MetrorailSafety/status/1366805749800853504
#wmata ROCC procedures require the rail controllers to be involved in the power restoration process. The WMSC says they found ROCC/MOC managers directed power personnel in the field to close breakers remotely, rather than by the remote rail controllers.
https://twitter.com/MetrorailSafety/status/1366805968940658689
WMSC: #wmata now has a "cold" railcar storage procedure for railcars that sit out of service for significant periods.
6000-series cars also still remain out of service & being moved to Greenbelt Yard.
6000-series cars also still remain out of service & being moved to Greenbelt Yard.
Reading between the lines: even once SV II construction is "complete," the new stations won't necessarily open unless training + staffing is also in place. #wmata
https://twitter.com/MetrorailSafety/status/1366807970626043904
WMSC now briefing on a near-miss, apparently caused by a yard interlocking operator incorrectly setting a switch prior to receiving confirmation that a Class II vehicle (maintenance) was clear of the area. #wmata 
Lauby now leading the WMSC in a refresher of signal shunting. Shunting allows the signal system to "see" where rail vehicles are, but hi-rail vehicles like the Sperry involved in this incident do not always shunt - hence why the interlocking operator wld need confirmation. #wmata
This report almost buries the lede that the #wmata ROCC lost radio communication with trains + workers for about 30-45 minutes
https://twitter.com/MetroReasons/status/1366810630318141443
Next investigation: a red signal violation at Brentwood Yard. The #wmata ROCC placed a call on a switch, then the Interlocking Operator attempted to set a new route, but they + the equipment operator failed to verify the signal.
Next up, another red signal violation. A train operator moved their train w/o proper acknowledgement from the interlocking operator. #wmata
Lauby notes a "track warrant" form - somewhere for train operators to write down signal permissions/instructions - is a common procedure in the heavy rail freight industry (though I don't believe it's nearly as common on light rail or in transit agencies).
#wmata
#wmata
Next report. A contractor fell ~8 feet to the bottom of a shaft, suffering a broken nose + leg. #wmata investigation report found fall protection wasn't used, among other issues.
Next report, a passenger struck by a train @ Gallery Place last September. Train operator started braking 111 feet before the platform, which slowed the train from 38mph to 33mph. #wmata
WMSC staff, when asked what #wmata can do to prevent this incident, didn't mention platform doors or other physical barriers that could be used to separate passenger areas from train tracks
https://twitter.com/MetroReasons/status/1366815919855575041
Next report - a train operator moved a train w/o permission. WMSC says the operator "felt rushed to restore service" #wmata
Max, doing yeoman's work as usual, is posting the full investigation reports as the meeting progresses. #wmata
https://twitter.com/amaxsmith/status/1366816909526667266
Samarasinghe: #wmata closed 41 Corrective Action Plans in 2020; 60 remain open.
Samarasinghe: the automated system #wmata piloted for this "has not worked"
https://twitter.com/MetrorailSafety/status/1366818499629355010
All WMSC safety investigation reports - including those approved today - are available at wmsc.gov/oversight/repo…
For those that want some light #wmata reading
For those that want some light #wmata reading
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