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Pages 97-156

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From page 97...
... 97   Introduction and Methodology This chapter summarizes the approach, responses, and findings of the case study meetings undertaken with rail transit and commuter rail agencies. The objective of the case studies was to capture a more in-depth understanding of how agencies are approaching and mitigating trespassing and suicides on their networks.
From page 98...
... 98 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way education, and enforcement (see Table  40)
From page 99...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 99   Primary Case Study Summaries This section contains the summaries of each case study: • Light Rail, Heavy Rail, and Commuter Rail -- MTA, Baltimore, Maryland • Commuter Rail -- Metropolitan Transportation Authority MNCR, New York, New York • Light Rail and Commuter Rail -- UTA, Salt Lake City, Utah • Light Rail and Commuter Rail -- DART, Dallas, Texas • Light Rail and Heavy Rail -- LACMTA, Los Angeles, California • Non-North American Agencies – ProRail, the Netherlands – Transport for London's London Underground, London, United Kingdom MTA, Baltimore, Maryland Agency Overview The MTA system includes light rail (Light RailLink) , heavy rail (Metro SubwayLink)
From page 100...
... 100 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Source: Maryland Transit Administration, Transit Maps (124)
From page 101...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 101   • Michael Gilhooly, manager of facilities maintenance and environmental services for Metro • Steve Gladstone, director of digital marketing and content • Dale Green-Worrell, light rail safety officer • Wesley Hackley (position unknown) • Jeff McCormack, assistant vice president for transit rail engineering • Joshua McCormack, director of light rail operations • Tim Tyran, chief safety officer • Wilson Wallace, railcar maintenance for Metro Case Study Findings Trespassing Summary.
From page 102...
... 102 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Overall, for light rail, the case study found that trespassers do not seem to be considered in the station design process. The agency is addressing the trespassing issues using external measures, such as putting up signs.
From page 103...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 103   operation center to report the train is entering the portal. Smart cameras are installed at portals to detect and report trespassing to the police monitoring center.
From page 104...
... 104 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way The police reported using drones to assist with areas of concern, surveillance, and crime scene investigations. The police also reported using Genetec, an advanced security system that provides more capability with video.
From page 105...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 105   Platform Screen Doors. The Metro system does not use PSDs and expects that PSDs would be expensive to install and would present a significant maintenance challenge.
From page 106...
... 106 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way The marketing group reported collecting public comments that are analyzed for messaging content of safety issues, based on feedback from the public. In addition, the marketing group participates in a variety of safety campaigns.
From page 107...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 107   MTA is currently designing a pedestrian overpass to reduce trespassing along a particular trouble area. It is anticipated that the overpass could result in 75% compliance depending on the design; however, potential limitations would be additional landscaping and cooperation with CSX, which owns portions of the property on which the overpass would be constructed.
From page 108...
... 108 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Other Comments. As part of the case study, MTA reported on trespassing mitigation strategies that other agencies are using.
From page 109...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 109   Case Study Findings Trespassing Summary. MNCR is an extensive open system with many high-speed territories and many access points from outside the right-of-way and stations.
From page 110...
... 110 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Reported trespasser characteristics include the following: • Individuals who want to self-harm, called willful decision • Homeless encampments • Seasonal access for recreation purposes, including summer fishing along the Hudson River and hiking from Breakneck • People using the railroad right-of-way as a pedestrian shortcut • Impaired or intoxicated individuals taking shortcuts, which is a unique problem because they may not take the same level of caution as a non-impaired individual In addition, MNCR has a right-of-way task force consisting of the security and police departments that actively go out in the field to identify issues on a regular basis. Task force members identify trails and pathways that people take for trespassing, examine the infrastructure for defects or vandalism, and evaluate the right-of-way for possible safety enhancements.
From page 111...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 111   Electronic Detection. The agency has a tripwire system at emergency exits at some of its terminal locations to detect suspicious movements.
From page 112...
... 112 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Other educational approaches reported during the case study included signs/messages, safety ambassadors, and community outreach. The agency implemented electrical billboard messaging regarding suicide prevention and mental health awareness, especially at grade crossings and station platforms.
From page 113...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 113   Enforcement. Law enforcement reported that it is notified by the rail traffic control center of suspicious trespassing activity.
From page 114...
... 114 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way • Use an intercom system to help someone who seeks assistance retrieving something that has fallen onto the track. • Modify pedestrian bells to remain on as long as the island circuit is active at grade crossings.
From page 115...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 115   Source: Utah Transit Authority, Schedules and Maps (128)
From page 116...
... 116 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Light rail reported that trespassing is a growing concern. TRAX is an open system that presents many challenges as the city grows.
From page 117...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 117   • Provide a Confidential Close Call Hotline. • Provide employee assistance programs for post-incident help, including counseling, leave from work, incident tracking per person, feedback, clergy, and peer group support.
From page 118...
... 118 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way UTA reported fencing to be a successful trespassing mitigation strategy. UTA is continuing to add more fencing to its system and is currently investigating areas where short fencing should be replaced with taller fences.
From page 119...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 119   Video Analytics. The agency does not consider cameras with video analytics effective due to too many false positives.
From page 120...
... 120 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Lighting. The agency has installed lighting in specific problem areas.
From page 121...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 121   Those in attendance included the following: • Paul Bourzikas, TRE assistant vice president for commuter rail • Tammy Doran, assistant to the assistant vice president • Anthony Fuller, TRE chief operating officer • Kris Gandham, assistant vice president for rail operations (light rail) • Bonnie Murphy, vice president for commuter rail and railroad management, and director of TRE • Jessica Powers, director of safety and regulatory compliance • Jerry Reynolds, manager for train control • Megan Tang, TRE chief engineering officer Case Study Findings Trespassing Summary.
From page 122...
... 122 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Source: Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Rail System Map (130)
From page 123...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 123   The light rail system reported it is working with police for enforced patrolling to address trespassing issues. Light rail operators report trespassing to central control, which then notifies the local police department.
From page 124...
... 124 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Source: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (131)
From page 125...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 125   Light rail also reported having an information technology department that views cameras on trains and around yards with advanced analytics. Camera Detection and Surveillance System.
From page 126...
... 126 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way the location of concern if a report comes in from customers (more information about the app is available at https://www.dart.org/riding/dartpoliceelerts.asp)
From page 127...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 127   LACMTA, Los Angeles, California Agency Overview The LACMTA rail transit system includes light rail and heavy rail. The system characteristics are included in Table 45, and Figure 64 illustrates the system.
From page 128...
... 128 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Source: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, How to Ride Metro Rail (133)
From page 129...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 129   The light rail system holds monthly rap sessions with operators, which is an avenue for operators to express their concerns, and trespassing is a common discussion topic. The agency also obtains trespassing information from law enforcement and the maintenance department.
From page 130...
... 130 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Electronic Detection. Several electronic detection systems were discussed during the case study.
From page 131...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 131   Platform Screen Doors. LACMTA reported that PSDs could be a great tool to address trespassing.
From page 132...
... 132 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Future Mitigation Strategies and Needs. The agency mentioned it hopes to use CCTV camera coverage throughout the property with advanced video analytics to detect passengers and vehicles.
From page 133...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 133   Source: ProRail, Rail Map (136)
From page 134...
... 134 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way are conducted by eight operators through 399 passenger stations. ProRail is unique in that the government owns the tracks, and ProRail contracts out the operations.
From page 135...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 135   mats make their job harder. The traditional pyramid mats were found to be 30% to 40% effective but were heavy and difficult to maintain.
From page 136...
... 136 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Education. A variety of educational approaches were reported, including the following: • Media campaigns for the public explain the ripple effect that slows down trains and causes delays.
From page 137...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 137   5 million customer journeys daily across 11 distinct lines and is part of Transport for London. The system is around 45% subsurface, with the remainder being above ground (138)
From page 138...
... Source: Transport for London, Tube Map Showing Tunnels (140)
From page 139...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 139   the stigma surrounding suicide prevention with staff. Thrive LDN helps to create and disseminate prevention information more broadly focused on depression and well-being.
From page 140...
... 140 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Source: London Underground (65)
From page 141...
... Source: London Underground (65)
From page 142...
... 142 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way the limited restroom facilities in the stations. Additionally, one concern is that increased fencing at one location may result in a displacement problem by moving people to other areas of the system, such as moving people from the surface stations to the underground stations.
From page 143...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 143   In addition, Transport for London has the Travel Kind program, which encourages people to look out for each other. Transport for London also promotes the See It, Say It, Sort It program where customers report potential incidents.
From page 144...
... 144 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way In addition, Transport for London allows passengers to directly text the police, who can investigate issues and reply with a status. Other Countermeasures.
From page 145...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 145   specific entities were selected through recommendations or content discussed during conference presentations. Metropolitan Transportation Authority LIRR Background During the TRB/APTA Safety and Security Conference on November  18, 2020, Lori Ebbighausen, with LIRR, presented on its strategic risk mitigation process that includes collecting a large amount of data from many sources, using a hazard mitigation algorithm to evaluate rail right-of-way segments, and using high-security fencing to address safety concerns.
From page 146...
... 146 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way properly address them through mitigation strategies. This approach requires good data, which are generally lacking, especially for suicide-related incidents.
From page 147...
... Source: Amtrak (142)
From page 148...
... Source: Amtrak (142)
From page 149...
... Source: Amtrak (142)
From page 150...
... Source: Amtrak (142)
From page 151...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 151   The largest effort to mitigate trespassing and suicides is through community outreach and education. SEPTA works collaboratively with Pennsylvania Operation Lifesaver to distribute rail safety messages, particularly in schools and through media outlets.
From page 152...
... 152 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way SEPTA has a See Something Say Something app that is designed specifically for the police. The app allows for non-verbal interaction with the police, which Mr.
From page 153...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 153   found that having a dedicated police force is very important and that events need immediate attention so the behavior does not continue or expand, including children walking across tracks to get to school. He mentioned that if fencing is used, small gaps have to be eliminated.
From page 154...
... 154 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Photo Credit: Jeffery E Warner.
From page 155...
... Case Study Selection Methodology and Findings 155   Figure 91. Noticeable trail between landscaping and an electrical box.
From page 156...
... 156 Strategies for Deterring Trespassing on Rail Transit and Commuter Rail Rights-of-Way Every agency relayed the urgent need to address problems as soon as possible. Unfixed fences, uncleaned graffiti, and unaddressed behaviors will likely result in more of those activities in the future.

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