“If the system switching is automated that system as well would not see the train if there was a glitch. The switching system would also control the red or go ahead light.”
That’s what I’ve been saying. The METROLINK is trying to cover their ass. There is no way two oncoming trains should be on the same track. The ‘engineer’ cannot ‘move’ to another track, without the track switching equipment, which is set up and controlled by METROLINK.
Everyone who is taking up the issue of ‘text messaging’ is being suckered in by the media, who seem to be protecting METROLINK for some reason. (because they are idiots, is my guess)
I still think someone, maybe a terrorist, messed with the switches and lights, allowing both trains on the same track, heading at each other.
Or the equipment just malfunctioned. We will see.
1. Call to Order
CLOSED SESSION
2. Closed Session
(a) THREAT TO PUBLIC PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACIILITIES – Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957) - (Consultation with Metrolink’s Chief Safety Officer)
(b) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: (Subdivision (b) of Government Code Section 54956.9 : ( multiple potential cases) - Anticipated litigation arising out of the September 12, 2008 collision between a Metrolink train and a Union Pacific freight train on the Ventura County Line, near the city of Chatsworth, CA.
My guess is like everything else too much faith is being placed in not so fail proof systems such as computerized dispatching. If one sector is not giving accurate data bad things gonna happen.
As for his texting or even cell use or for that matter drivers? I would not text driving. But texting from a train may be safe enough to do. Police now use Computerized Aided Dispatch as well In other words they get a call and dispatch is typing in information they receive to a screen in the officers car. Also officers themselves use cells while driving. About half the cops I see one in vehicles one is talking on one. Cell phones while driving are safe but common sense is needed. I mount my cell up at windshield level on the dash. I can see the road and see the keypad or answer key without taking an eye off the road. I also use a boom mike to talk. If I'm in a place that needs my 100% concentration I tell who I'm talking to hold on a second.
It looks like CBS jumped on a Metrolink spokespersons careless comments and came to some conclusions that usually take weeks of professional investigation to determine cause. Many things will have to be checked out.
More information. Read down about two thirds http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080914/ap_on_re_us/train_collision Seems they think two switches on a siding were open and one should have been closed. The NTSB also playing town METROLINKS spokepersons report. And rightfully so.