III-E-31 Metrorail Emergency Response Plan 07/01/2020

Which doors can be manually opened in the event of a power interruption?

What should be done once the emergency doors are opened?

How many rail contact shoes are there on each train car?

What is the primary function of the rail contact shoe?

Under what circumstances can contact with the energized rail or contact shoe be fatal?

Where is the emergency ladder located in the new train cars?

What warning signage is sometimes missing from the trains due to their age and condition?

What appearance does the rail contact shoe unfortunately resemble?

What is the purpose of the MEC-4 cart?

Where does the Green 'Legacy' Line travel to?

What is indicated by the 'blue light box' in the Metrorail system?

How can the MEC-4 be assembled once it arrives on the scene?

What is the function of the coverboard mounted over the third rail?

What voltage is required to operate the Metrorail trains?

Which line connects Dadeland South to Miami International Airport?

What do the doors, lights, and intercom in the Metrorail cars operate on?

Metrorail System Overview

The Metrorail system features the Green “Legacy” Line running from Palmetto Station to Dadeland South.
The Orange Line connects Dadeland South to Miami International Airport.

Rail Infrastructure

Comprises two running rails and an elevated third rail (power rail) located outside the outermost rail.
A coverboard partially protects the third rail for safety.

Emergency Response Tools

The Emergency Trip Station, often referred to as the “blue light box,” is activated by opening a door and pressing the red knob.
MEC-4 carts can be deployed from Palmetto Yard Station for evacuations, assembled by MDT in under five minutes.

Emergency Door Procedures

Trains require 700 volts for movement, with a separate power source for doors and lights.
The only manually operable doors during power interruption are the middle doors (5 and 8) of the Legacy Fleet and new cars.
Emergency “T” handles or red emergency door release handles are used for manual door operation.

Rail Contact Shoe Details

Rail contact shoes transmit 700 volts from the third rail to the train's electric motors.
Each train car has four contact shoes; energization occurs if at least one shoe contacts an energized rail.
Warning tape is often placed on the cars, though “Danger High Voltage” stickers may be missing due to age.

Evacuation Equipment

Emergency ladders for passenger evacuation are located in each rail car's overhead compartment.
In the new cars, ladders are found inside the Train Operator’s compartment; in the Legacy Fleet, they are outside the compartment.

Explore the complete diagram of the Metrorail system, highlighting the routes of the Green 'Legacy' Line and the Orange Line. This resource is particularly useful for understanding the Metrorail Emergency Response Plan and the infrastructure involved. Ideal for those studying transit systems and emergency preparedness.