Federal Audit Orders M.T.A. to Improve Track Worker Safety

Federal transportation officials have reported an alarming increase in near-miss incidents and fatalities among transit workers, indicating a serious deterioration in safety practices. The Federal Transit Administration found that unsafe conditions are leading to a rising number of close calls, with incidents climbing from 24 in 2022 to 38 in 2023. This trend raises significant concerns for the health and safety of workers, highlighting systemic flaws in compliance with essential safety rules and protocols.

Jim Mathews, chief executive of the Rail Passengers Association, expressed deep concern over the rise in near-miss incidents, stating, 'If you work in and around the subway, you've had an awful lot of close calls, and eventually close calls catch up to you.' This statement underscores the pressing need for improved safety measures and adherence to protocols that protect transit workers in their high-risk environment.

The Federal Transit Administration's audit revealed that many of last year’s near-miss incidents stemmed from the failure of transit employees to promote safety through timely flagging and proper procedures. The report identified critical factors contributing to these dangerous situations, such as inadequate communication, operator inattention, and insufficient protective measures for workers on or near the tracks.

In response to these overwhelming safety concerns, the F.T.A. has urged comprehensive updates to safety plans, particularly emphasizing the necessity for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to adopt more rigorous safety measures. Recommendations have focused on improving compliance with safety standards to mitigate the increasing risks posed to workers involved with rail transit operations.

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