This New Program Keeps HRT a Leader in Light Rail Safety: Here’s How
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is proud to operate one of the safest light rail systems in the nation. With the recent rollout of the Roadway Worker Protection Plan (RWPP), our commitment to worker and public safety is stronger than ever.
In December 2024, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) mandated that all public transit agencies receiving federal funds for light rail must implement a new safety program by Dec. 2, 2025. This requirement comes in response to a national trend of increasing roadway worker injuries and fatalities.
“While HRT has an impeccable record, with zero fatalities on our light rail, the Roadway Worker Protection Plan makes our safety on the roadway more robust,” Safety Manager John Tate said.
What Does the New Plan Do?
The RWPP provides redundant safety measures and clear protocols for anyone working on or near the tracks – during routine maintenance, track repairs, or while accessing the catenary system. The plan was developed in collaboration with our safety contractor dss+, and approved by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
New Roles and Responsibilities: One of the biggest changes was the addition of the Roadway Worker in Charge (RWIC). The RWIC’s sole responsibility is the safety of the crew.
“They don’t get to work, hit the shovel, throw the picks,” Tate said. “They don’t do anything other than monitor the work crew and make sure the work zone is safe.”
The RWIC conducts a job safety briefing with the work crew prior to accessing the roadway, and the role can only be filled by an HRT employee, ensuring clear accountability.
The RWPP also created a Watch Person. This role replaces what was previously known as the “lookout.” The watch person is equipped with tools like a white flag and an air horn to warn of approaching trains. This is an added layer of protection for work crews.
Good Faith Safety Challenge: Another feature of the RWPP is the good faith safety challenge. If a worker feels they’ve been given a directive that violates HRT safety protocol, they can initiate a good faith safety challenge.
“Once a challenge is initiated, all work must stop until the challenge is resolved,” Tate explained. “That could mean an adjustment is made or a supervisor explains why they are doing it the way they are doing it. If the challenge still isn’t resolved, it’s escalated to the Safety Department.”
Universal Training: Previously, all HRT staff received some level of track access training. Now, every HRT employee and contractor must complete RWPP training, regardless of their direct involvement with the light rail system.
“Even though your work may not be directly related to the light rail, employees still need to have a basic understanding of how to be safe when you’re on a platform or close proximity to a track,” said Rail Training Specialist LaDena Owens.
While the FTA only requires biennial training, HRT is committed to annual retraining to keep safety top of mind. To facilitate training, HRT and its partners created a comprehensive manual that serves as guide to the Tide light rail system, including track access rules and terminology.
Building on a Strong Foundation
According to Owens, “We had a very cohesive and effective program in place; we just had to build upon it and add the new FTA regulations to make sure HRT is compliant.” HRT assembled a team of safety and training experts to draft and roll out the new program. With the help of dss+, the plan was finalized and approved just before Thanksgiving 2025, allowing HRT to begin training immediately. All key personnel, about 85 people, were trained the following weekend and the plan was implemented on time.
Protecting Employees and the Community
Safety doesn’t stop with our employees. The RWPP also enhances protections for the citizens of Norfolk.
“Our operators are highly trained to anticipate and prevent incidents, especially as distracted pedestrians may not see or hear oncoming trains,” Owens said.
HRT is proud to be a leader in transit safety, ensuring that every day, our team and our passengers return home safely. The Roadway Worker Protection Plan is another important step in our ongoing commitment to providing transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient, and sustainable.
