Scope
- Rail Operating Rulebook and required training
- RWP Plan and required training
- Command and Control/Train Control SOPs and required training
- Field Supervision SOPs and required training
- Inclement Weather Procedures and refresher training
- Operator Certification/refresher training and record-keeping
- Maintenance (equipment and rail infrastructure/systems) Job-based Certification/refresher training
- Inspection and Maintenance Manuals, SOPs, and standards, supervision, training, and competency
Positive Observations
- The Vehicle Engineering trainers are generally the most experienced in the organization and are available for employee refresher training, etc.
- The MBTA is implementing Configuration Management software throughout the organization.
- The Red Line and Orange Line have engineers embedded within the training department.
- The MBTA’s use of a Learning Management System (“LMS”) is an industry best practice.
Opportunities for Continual Improvement
- The Training department relies on the LMS system to send notifications within MBTA that changes to operational processes need to be made, rather than the Training department preparing training on the changes. The MBTA should provide clearer communication of configuration management changes and evaluate developing training to all departments, rather than relying on the LMS software to make notifications.
Recommendations
- The MBTA Configuration Management Committee should include a representative from Training department to ensure the changes are implemented.
- The MBTA should audit the LMS/Learning Hub curriculum to see how effective it is for frontline employees.
- The MBTA should develop a curriculum for Power Dispatchers in addition to one-on-one training.
- The MBTA should develop checklists of minimum required training for all employee classifications and job performance measures.
- MBTA Training department should track the topic of each Safety Flash that is issued so it can better target refresher training in those areas.
- In accordance with the FTA requirements from the SMI, the MBTA should complete reevaluation and redesign of the ROW/RWP Training and reissue it to all required staff.
- The MBTA should perform a Needs Assessment of each operating division to determine where safety-related competency should be reinforced.
- The Power Training department should determine whether the training curriculum they have is sufficient based on newer and older component equipment manufacturer specifications.
Findings
The following findings are based on experience over the last few years and interviews during this Triennial Audit.
- The MBTA must develop a training curriculum for each division that accurately reflects its role and responsibility for completing the safety event investigation checklists that are completed during safety event investigations.
- MBTA shall work with the DPU to develop all-employee training on regulatory oversight and the role of DPU. This training curriculum must be approved by the DPU, and DPU will participate in content development.
- MBTA shall develop a technical training plan for the investigations team that includes key competencies, training schedules, and opportunities for continued education.