menus to capture more detail) and additional incident detail forms have been provided to help identify and describe such characteristics as vehicle type, collision type, and location. However, these fields have their limits, which is why text description fields have been added.

Text description fields allow agencies to provide more “subjective” information that can more clearly identify causes, faults, and other characteristics not otherwise captured in the pulldown menu selections. This means that, in large measure, the grantee can play a key role in the quality of NTD data.

NTD Data Used to Identify and Focus Track-Worker Protection and Maintenance Oversight Efforts

Between October 2005 and April 2007, the NTD, as well as Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data pertaining to commuter railroad operations, indicated a threefold increase in the numbers of rail- and transit-worker fatalities (11) and injuries (more than 12). Safety data reported by transit agencies to the NTD and FRA’s Railroad Accident and Incident Reporting System (RAIRS) showed an increasing trend of track-worker fatalities. Technical assistance materials and recommendations for actions to avoid future incidents were provided.

These incidents, though confined to a few systems, point to a danger that could affect all systems. The reasons for the incidents included failure to notify dispatchers and operators of work-crew locations, to establish work-site clearance plans, and to conduct on-site safety briefings, as well as high rates of speed by operators.

This information triggered a response from FTA, in partnership with the transit industry, to address worker protection issues through a coordinated program, Technical Assistance, Training and Outreach and Research. The response, articulated in a “Dear Colleague” letter written by FTA Administrator James Simpson on May 8, 2007, can be found on the FTA Office of Safety and Security web site, http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/Safety/sso/DearColleague/2007-05-08/HTML/default.asp