Oxnard accident

[Gokhan]

Why is Metrolink still allowed to run trains in push configuration, which is known to be very derailment-prone?

Metrolink train hits truck, derails in Oxnard; train engineer critically hurt

[bzcat]

Metrolink as an organization, doesn't really place any emphasis on passenger safety. The priority is always on ease of operation. This train probably left Oceanside yard in a pull configuration and so when it reach Oxnard to begin its service run, it is "backwards". Unless Metrolink invest in locomotive turntable at all the terminals, there is no easy fix.

[Gokhan]

One way is that they could use a redundant engine on the other end of the train. Otherwise, they would have to build a rail loop at the end of the line.

[johanragle]

bzcat said:

Metrolink as an organization, doesn't really place any emphasis on passenger safety. The priority is always on ease of operation. This train probably left Oceanside yard in a pull configuration and so when it reach Oxnard to begin its service run, it is "backwards". Unless Metrolink invest in locomotive turntable at all the terminals, there is no easy fix.

Metrolink always backs their trainsets in to Union Station from what I've seen. Outbound trains are led by the locomotive, inbound trains are led by the passenger cab. Once Metro and Metrolink get around to building SCRIP, then we'll probably see some switched-up trainsets since they'll be able to run straight through.

Feb 24, 2015 12:41:18 GMT -8 Gokhan said:

One way is that they could use a redundant engine on the other end of the train. Otherwise, they would have to build a rail loop at the end of the line.

And now we're back to extra operational costs for having to lug the weight of a useless locomotive around, just in case some bumpkin gets their vehicle stuck on the tracks. I wonder if the rail loops might be cheaper in the long run.

I'd argue that we could use more grade separation, particularly in high traffic areas, but Oxnard is practically as remote as it gets and I don't think SCRRA could scrounge up enough funds to grade separate every crossing, even with the guaranteed (not!) cooperation of all the cities involved.

[johanragle]

Latest update: www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metrolink-train-crash-20150225-story.html

The truck driver arrested in connection with Tuesday's Metrolink crash in Oxnard has been cited for multiple driving violations in his home state of Arizona and was convicted in 1998 of driving under the influence.

Officials investigating the Oxnard crash said it appeared that Jose Alejandro Sanchez-Ramirez had been driving down the railroad tracks just before he abandoned his truck near the crossing where it was struck by a Metrolink train.

Sanchez-Ramirez, 54, of Yuma, Ariz., was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run in the crash, which injured 28 people, four of them critically.

Arizona criminal records show that he pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 1998, to a host of violations in a single case, including driving with a blood alcohol content above .08%, the legal limit in the state; failure to obey a police officer; having liquor with a minor on the premises and having no insurance.

In 2004 Ramirez was convicted of a local driving infraction in Yuma, and in 2007 he was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device.

In other words, it's speculation based on his record in Arizona. No word yet on whether he was DUI in this particular instance.

[johanragle]

Here's another piece from the Times discussing the safety features of the new Hyundai-Rotem cars, and the impact they had on this collision.

www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-metrolink-crash-safety-20150225-story.html#page=1

[tramfan]

Feb 24, 2015 12:41:18 GMT -8 Gokhan said:

One way is that they could use a redundant engine on the other end of the train. Otherwise, they would have to build a rail loop at the end of the line.

Or a "Y" which might be cheaper.

[johanragle]

More LA Times coverage: www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-metrolink-crash-20150226-story.html

Turns out that the Rice Ave. crossing has a history of deadly collisions, and a grade separation project has been in the works for years, stalled for lack of funding.

The location of the crash spotlighted a massive, costly backlog of overpass projects intended to separate rail and street traffic. The crossing near 5th and Rice, on a straight stretch of track where trains travel at top speeds, has a history of deadly accidents and is ranked among the state's two dozen most dangerous.

Federal Railroad Administration records show that since 1976, the crossing had 13 major accidents before Tuesday's crash, 11 of which involved vehicles that either stalled in the crossing or had become trapped by the gates.

Darren Kettle, executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, said a $30-million to $35-million grade separation project has been proposed for the Rice Avenue crossing for 15 to 20 years.

The overpass would go over both the tracks and 5th Street, separating motor vehicles from trains.

Environmental reviews and preliminary engineering are underway and should be completed by 2016. He said the commission contributed $1.75 million for the work.

Kettle said the project has taken so long because of a lack of funding, which he called the "Achilles heel" for any local transportation project.

Unlike Los Angeles and Orange counties, Ventura County has no sales tax to pay for road, rail and transit projects. Most of the funding, Kettle said, will have to come from the state and federal governments.

"A $35-million grade separation is no small project for Ventura County," Kettle said. "We do not have a dedicated funding stream."

The project is important for Ventura County's agricultural business and trucks picking up and dropping off cargo at Port Hueneme. Kettle likened Rice Avenue to Interstate 710, the main highway for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

"If money were no obstacle and if everything went smoothly," Kettle said, "the engineering could be done in five years and construction could begin two years after that."