Safety Culture in the News

Safety Culture in the News

WMATA Replaces Rail Control Center Leadership Amid Train Safety Violations

WMATA Replaces Rail Control Center Leadership Amid Train Safety Violations Metro is replacing the head of its Rail Operations Control Center — the nerve center for monitoring the entire rail system — after a series of safety violations, including sending trains with passengers to investigate a reported fire in tunnels.

WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld sent out a memo Monday announcing the change.

“A strong safety culture requires constant vigilance and continuous improvement,” Wiedefeld wrote. “The ROCC must be the backbone of that culture.”

“We recognize that work is needed to transform Metro’s safety culture from reactive risk management to proactive risk management… (that) requires support and engagement from every employee.”

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) mandated many changes to the ROCC, warning of “dangerous dysfunction” in the department.