Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District reports bus-train near-miss at Braley Road crossing; MBTA notified, safety review under way
Summary
A district afternoon bus encountered active crossing signals while crossing Braley Road; the driver stopped then began to reverse and the safety arm contacted the top of the bus; no serious injuries reported and MBTA and bus company are engaged in a review.
District officials reported an incident during a middle- and high-school afternoon run at the Braley Road railroad crossing in which crossing bells and lights engaged as a bus began to move through the crossing.
Jack Higgins, staff member, said the driver stopped when the bells and lights began and attempted to reverse to the stop line; as the bus backed up the crossing gate arm struck the top of the bus. The train passed about 45 seconds after the bells and lights first activated.
“We provided counselors to the students today for anyone to check in to make sure if anybody had any physical or emotional issues as a result,” Higgins said.
Higgins said the bus company has been in contact with the MBTA about the crossing’s sight lines and the timing of the warning signals. He noted that vegetation and sight-line limitations at the crossing create visibility challenges for drivers.
District officials said they are exploring short-term and longer-term safety options, including: adding bus monitors for routes that cross tracked locations (which would require the monitor to exit and check for trains), daily communication protocols with the bus company, and additional training offered by local fire departments and MBTA safety initiatives.
Committee members asked who is responsible for maintaining the line of sight at crossings; Higgins said the MBTA is responsible and the district remains in conversation with the bus company and MBTA about corrective options. Higgins said 14 of the district’s 24 buses traverse at least one tracked crossing during their runs.
The district reported providing counselors for students and continuing conversations with municipal officials about steps to reduce the risk of future incidents. No formal vote or action was taken that evening; the district described discussions as exploratory and ongoing.
