MetroRail event canceled, safety issues

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Capital Metro has canceled its open celebration and delayed the start of the MetroRail system because of safety concerns. 

The President of Capital Metro is blaming its rail contractor, Veolia Transportation, for this latest delay.

Capital Metro was notified Friday by the Federal Railroad Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation of violations against Veolia Transportation.

"At this time, I am not satisfied with the progress Veolia has made with safety and training," said President and CEO of CapMetro Fred Gilliam. "Capital Metro is absolutely committed to safety."

Gilliam is canceling the celebration event planned for the last Saturday of this month and called for Veolia to replace its safety director.

"CapMetro is bringing in rail experts from Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to assist with startup operations and safety implementation," said Gilliam. 

CapMetro also plans to keep testing the rail's signal system.

"Capital Metro is deeply disappointed over this delay, but under no circumstances will we jeopardize safety by rushing this process," said Gilliam.

Council member Mike Martinez got into the discussion, making the following statement:

"In light of many issues and the new Federal Railroad Administration safety violations issued to Capital Metro [Friday], I believe it's only appropriate to further delay the launch of MetroRail service until such time as it is 100 percent clear that there are no additional safety concerns to be resolved. The safety of the public has to be Capital Metro's top priority, and I simply don't believe that our rail service should begin until we know that all safety issues have been completely addressed. Accordingly, I believe Capital Metro should cancel the launch celebration currently planned for next weekend. Again, until the safety of rail riders and the general public is assured, I don't believe even demonstration rides are appropriate. We must also seek
answers to the many questions surrounding Capitol Metro and judgment errors that have plagued the agency for some time now."

CapMetro has not reset a date for the start of the MetroRail system. Leaders plan to  report back to the community by May 15 about the safety testing progress.