NTSB commuter rail safety alert follows five incidents

The NTSB commuter rail safety alert was issued this week. As reported by Progressive Railroading, it applies to commuter and transit rail operators. It urges them to examine the design of electric propulsion power and other critical systems.

Why the NTSB commuter rail safety alert was issued?

The alert stems from NTSB investigations into five incidents. In those cases, electric propulsion power systems resulted in critical failures. Those failures included electrical arcing, fires, smoke and damage to electrified systems. Also, the agency said the incidents put passengers and crew members in danger.

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“As the nation’s rail infrastructure ages, transit and commuter operators are experiencing critical failures related to electric propulsion power systems, putting the traveling public at risk,” NTSB officials said.

SEPTA Regional Rail train fire at Crum Lynne Station

One recent incident was previously covered by Railway Supply. It occurred on Feb. 6, 2025, at Crum Lynne Station in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. It involved a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Regional Rail train. Electrical components of the lead rail car caught fire as it departed the station. Meanwhile, about 325 passengers and four crew members were on board. The NTSB investigation expanded over the course of the year. It came to include four additional electrical fire or smoke events.

Third-rail and catenary system risks

In the NTSB safety alert, the board described several risks. For example, flooding or drainage problems can allow water to enter electrical cables. In addition, water intrusion can cause insulation to deteriorate. Also, worn contact surfaces can create intermittent contact. This applies to electrified third rails, collector shoes and pantograph heads. That contact may lead to arcing. At the same time, loose or corroded electrical connectors and joints can raise electrical resistance. This applies to catenary wire and third-rail systems. That can generate excessive heat in electrical components. It can also increase the risk of fires, electrical shorts or other hazards.

Separately, recent NTSB investigations also found another issue. Some electric propulsion power systems combine newer technologies with legacy components. This includes third-rail systems and overhead wire catenary systems. That combination can create new failure modes. Still, the alert states that temporary repairs can also trigger critical electrical problems. The same is true of undocumented changes to third-rail or catenary systems. Aging electrical component tolerances can also cause such problems. Over time, those tolerances can drift from their original design performance criteria.

Meanwhile, the NTSB said current maintenance and inspection plans may not adequately detect such failures. Still, transit and commuter rail operators’ current plans may not adequately mitigate them either.

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