Photo by Julian Ortiz.

Metro has fired a train operator for running a red signal at Glenmont Station on Tuesday night and nearly causing a collision with an oncoming train.

General Manager Paul Wiedefeld sent out a memo to employees that outlined the events of Tuesday, during which a Red Line train operator put his train on the same track as a passenger train. The GM said that the initial investigation indicates that the issue was not mechanical defects or system failure, but that the operator “failed to follow proper communications protocols and overran the red signal.”

In addition to potentially causing a collision, the unnamed operator also endangered two track inspectors, Wiedefeld said. He defended his decision to terminate the operator, rather than issue a standard suspension for a first red signal violation offense. “I took this step because I am deeply concerned by the disregard this operator demonstrated for the well-being of his coworkers—namely the track walkers on the ground—as well as for his passengers, and those passengers and employees on other trains.”

Amalgamated Transit Union 689, which represents Metro employees, does not comment on specific cases, spokesperson David Stephen says.

The incident forced Metro to single track on Tuesday evening. The Federal Transit Administration is also investigating the incident.

“It is a serious safety concern and would be the latest of such an occurrence that is all too frequent on the WMATA ‎Metrorail system,” an FTA spokesman told The Washington Post. “FTA is conducting a larger investigation into the issue, reviewing more than 50 WMATA stop signal overrun incidents, and anticipates releasing a report this summer.”

Here is the memo in full, provided to DCist by Metro. Martin DiCaro of WAMU was the first to report on it.

To All WMATA Employees from GM/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld:

On the evening of Tuesday, July 5, a Red Line train operator ran through a red signal at Glenmont Station, entered a switch, and put his train on the same track as an oncoming passenger train. This action involved multiple operating rules violations, resulted in a “near miss” collision, and created a risk to passengers and employees onboard both trains. More immediately, the Operator created a risk to your fellow Metro employees, in this case two track inspectors who were inspecting the right of way, and fortunately avoided being struck by the train.

While the Safety Department’s review is still underway, there is no evidence of signal system failure or rail car mechanical defects. The investigation has reached a conclusion on the actions of the Train Operator. In this instance, the Operator failed to follow proper communications protocols and overran the red signal. The facts in this matter suggest a blatant disregard for safety that I find profoundly troubling.

Given the severity of this safety breach, rather than the standard suspension for a first red signal violation offense, the Operator’s employment has been terminated. Some of you may think this action is harsh. I want you to know that I took this step because I am deeply concerned by the disregard this Operator demonstrated for the wellbeing of his coworkers – namely the track walkers on the ground – as well as for his passengers, and those passengers and employees on other trains. Fortunately, our coworkers saw the train in time to get out of harm’s way.

We need to step back in this moment and understand what a fundamental change in safety culture requires of us. Safety is not a slogan. We hold the lives of people in our hands. Making a choice to ignore safety rules puts those lives at risk. Those people are our friends, coworkers, neighbors, family members, and customers. Every one of them depends on us to follow all operating rules before turning a wheel on a train or a bus.

Remember that the safety of Metro’s workforce, and everyone riding Metrorail and Metrobus depends on you.

Sincerely,

Paul J. Wiedefeld
General Manager/CEO

Updated with comment from ATU Local 689.