The National Transportation Safety Board called Tuesday for cameras to be installed on Metro North train cabs facing both inwards and outwards, after a derailment in the Bronx killed four people last December.
The Board also called for permanent speed limit signs on right of ways in the railroad’s territory.
Its chairman Deborah Hersman met with Metro North president Joe Guillietti Tuesday to discuss the recommendations with him, and to brief him on their investigation so far. Giullietti started the job last week after President Howard Permut retired in January.
Before the derailment, Metro North used signs for temporary speed restrictions, but did not have permanent ones. Engineers are required to know the speed limits by memory.
Since the tragedy, the railroad has installed permanent signs at four locations, including the derailment area.
The Board said in a statement that “Metro North should use a more systematic approach and install signage at all locations where permanent speed restrictions are in place.” It also said cameras would help investigators by letting them see what happens in a train cab before a crash.
An MTA spokesman said the authority was studying the recommendations closely. “The safety and security of our customers is Metro-North’s most important concern,” it said in a statement.
Senator Charles Schumer, who has called for the cameras, urged Metro North to install them quickly, and for the Federal Railroad Administration to make them mandatory.
“Inward and outward facing cameras will greatly improve safety on Metro North and all other railroads,” he said.