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25
20th Anniversary Report
7
Chatsworth collision inspires safety transformation
CHAPTER
Immediate safety improvements
The Board discussed implementing additional Automatic Train Stop (ATS) inductors throughout its system;
ATS was already installed on 30 miles of Metrolink's system in Orange County. On Oct. 23, 2009, Metrolink
added 49 additional ATS to speed-sensitive areas across the system. When a train passes over an ATS,
an alarm sounds that requires the engineer to take action. If no action is taken, the train's brakes are
automatically applied, bringing the train to a stop.
"As part of Metrolink's comprehensive public safety program, Automatic Train Stop will provide greater
situational awareness for our engineers and will establish an additional level of protection," said then
Metrolink Board Chairman and Ventura County representative Keith Millhouse. "Inward-facing video cameras,
second set of eyes on strategic routes and ATS, working together, will help reduce the risk of collisions along
our rail corridors and provide an exceptional safety environment for our passengers and crews."