Directs the metropolitan transportation authority to provide safety briefings to passengers aboard Metro-North trains, and train personnel in safety procedures

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring a safety briefing of Metro-North commuter railroad passengers to be conducted at certain times

Purpose

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority to provide safety briefings to passengers aboard Metro-North trains, and instruct personnel in safety procedures

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill amends the public authorities law by adding a new section I279-d, which directs the authority to implement a safety briefing to passengers no later than January 1, 2017 for persons utilizing transportation and other related services of the Metro-North commuter railroad.

Such program shall include, but not be limited to: before initial departure of each train, and periodically thereafter, at the discretion of the authority at stations where the greatest number of passengers board the train, the conductor, or the conductor's designee, shall immediately communicate live and/or by recorded, visual and/or audio images: evacuation procedures; location and means for opening the passenger entry doors and emergency exits; location of first aid and survival equipment and location and operation of fire extinguishers. Additionally, in the event of a disaster or emergency, the conductor, or the conductor's designee shall communicate the safety briefing message as often as necessary to ensure passenger safety.

The briefings may be delivered by an approved recording playback devise. The plan shall also provide for the training of conductors, trainmen and other designated employees in emergency techniques and procedures, interoperable communications, and knowledge of procedures and equipment used during evacuations.

Section two states the effective date.

Justification

On February 3, 2015, during the evening rush hour, the northbound Metro-North Railroad passenger train no. 659 impacted with a sports utility vehicle which had stopped on the tracks at the Commerce Street highway rail grade crossing. This tragic accident resulted in the deaths of five passengers seated in the lead passenger railcar and the driver of the sports utility vehicle. Although the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating this horrific accident, many passengers reported much confusion and difficulty in evacuating the damaged train.

In March of 2014, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a report to Congress evaluating the safety measures of the Metro-North system. In the report, the FRA strongly urged the senior leadership of Metro-North to prioritize safety, and implement a plan to improve safety standards and procedures. Unlike the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) notification announcements on the New York City subway system, Metro-North does not provide routine briefings to passengers regarding proper evacuation and safety procedures. This lack of instruction resulted in much confusion to the roughly 650 passengers on the train at the time of the Valhalla crash. Therefore, it would be in the interest of public safety to require Metro-North Railroad Safety Committee to utilize and disseminate similar information as is provided on the City's subway system. In emergency situations, passengers cannot be reasonably expected to know the exact location of fire extinguishers, emergency exits and other pertinent information without repetition. By requiring this information be disseminated upon the initial departure of each train, as well as at stations where the greatest number of passengers board the train, over-time, New York's commuters will become better aware of proper emergency procedures, which will save the lives of future passengers should another tragedy occur.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.