Join the discussion on the following article:
MTA outlines plans for safety improvements
Funny thing every day millions of people ride trains in the New York Metropolitan area. Safely without incident. They spend less time in traffic. Waste less gas waiting in traffic. Have less aggravation from trying to drive in that traffic. And they have some of the best and smartest people running it. Including many who actually like the job. New York City attracts the beer and brightest people from around the world. The opportunities are endless. Even people with CDL’S can make 6 figure incomes.
Instead of depending on PTC, which is still in the research and development stage and not ready for prime time application, how about employing people with functioning brain cells to run the trains? I realize this commodity is becoming scarce in places like New York City. But if you hired some people with common sense…
…Wait. No. That won’t work. You can’t pay enough money to people with common sense in order to get them to move to New York City.
I commend Tom Prendergast for displaying a positive attitude concerning recommendations put forth by the FRA and NTSB.
Having been a team member that evaluates Army aviation operations and investigates aviation accidents, it is always refreshing to see positive attitudes that seek to make operations and safety improvements. Too often oversight agencies are viewed as a hindrance rather than a help. Mr. Prendergast realizes we are all on the same team especially when it comes to safety. From a CEO’s position, it is better to work “with” these agencies than to have an adversarial attitude that accomplishes nothing other than to make it hard and frustrating for all parties involved.
Personally, I would go the extra mile to help a commander who openly wanted an “extra set of eyes” to look at his operations. Any infractions or cumbersome operations found that increased risks were brought to the commander’s attention. Explaining how the recommended changes would comply with all regulatory guidance while allowing a more efficient and safer operation is what interests most commanders or CEOs. Helping them get started, if requested, will foster a positive working relationship should other issues arise at a later time.
Change is always hard, but a positive attitude always yields better results.
…meanwhile “Blackhawk” down in Afghanistan, with the loss of six lives (soldiers). This from a retired 67N3F, etc…
Guse, you’re a real F A. The certification testing to qualify as a locomotive engineer is harder than the bar exam by far. How insensitive. Even the brightest individuals can suffer from fatigue as was the culprit. Locomotive Engineers don’t quite get paid nearly enough for the responsibilities bestowed upon them. Can you be charged with manslaughter and serve time in prison for doing your job? How about working nights, weekends and holidays away from your family (assuming anyone is capable of loving you) so that the trains can run during these times to serve the common people and ungrateful big shots such as yourself who wish not to drive when traveling?!