Posts tagged Safety
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There are no safeguards against investigation interference at Metro’s ROCC, a report finds
Metro protocols don’t ensure investigations that occur are fully independent from the employees involved, according to the newest report from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC). Internal Metro investigations don’t always rely on first-hand reports from staff directly involved in the incidents, but instead descriptions of the events passed up through management ranks which could be altered. Keep reading…
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A caustic environment at Metro’s ROCC pushes out trainees and experienced employees alike
Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) doesn’t provide the proper training needed for employees and is also a caustic work environment, according to a recent report from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. Controllers reported not having the knowledge needed to do their jobs and suffered racial and sexual harassment along the way. Keep reading…
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A new audit finds both new and ongoing critical safety issues at Metro’s rail control center
Harassment, confusion, fatigue, short-staffed, ill-trained. A new audit of the Metrorail Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) lays bare ongoing issues at the nerve center of Metro’s rail network, and with it, some of what Metro needs to do to begin to fix it. Recent Metro actions have shown “promise,” but what will it take to turn the department around? Keep reading…
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Metro loses one of its own as the pandemic continues
A Metro employee in the Rail Operations Control Center recently passed away after falling ill with the virus that causes COVID-19. While the agency now reports 308 employees that have had confirmed cases, 270 of whom have recovered and returned to work, this was the agency’s first loss of life. Keep reading…
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Bloomingdale’s traffic calming plan gets some new updates
Some additional traffic calming measures are in the works on First Street NW, including adding striping to the bump-outs and new higher-visibility LED stop signs. However, flex posts from all but one side street have been removed. Keep reading…
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What’s it like to navigate work, home, and a pandemic in Tysons? A survey sheds some light.
What is it like to live or work in Tysons during a pandemic? A recent survey offers a snapshot into the many concerns people have from transit and childcare to what may be stopping people from returning to the office for work. Keep reading…
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Here is the history of mandatory bicycle bell laws
Back in 2013, DC took the unusual step of allowing bikes to be ridden in the District without a bell, something the city had required for more than 125 years—and something a lot of other cities had required as well. Some advocates successfully argued that bicycle bells were an add-on that did nothing to improve safety, so they shouldn’t be mandatory. Keep reading…
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How mask shaming distracts from better policy and equity
People say “wear a damn mask” a lot these days. Does repeating this phrase and its iterations of “personal responsibility” help slow the transmission of coronavirus, or is it like shouting at drivers not to speed - cathartic but ultimately ineffective. Keep reading…
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Why do cyclists love green bike lanes?
Green-painted bike lanes make cycling safer, by reminding car drivers to watch out for cyclists when driving across bike lanes. That’s a great benefit, and it works, but it’s not the main reason so many cyclists get so excited over a little bit of color. Keep reading…
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After repeated safety incidents, Metro replaces its rail operations control director
WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld has reassigned the leader of the agency’s rail control center and is beginning an external search for a new one, according to a staff notice issued on Monday. Keep reading…