Confidential Close Call Reporting System

C3RS — Identifying Safety Risks in Railroad Operations

  
TO INITITATE A CLOSE CALLS REPORT
Call C3RS at (866) 683-9265 or
(888) LOV-C3RS.
C3RS Home > Questions and Answers > New Jersey Transit

Questions and Answers — New Jersey Transit

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  1. What are the boundaries of the New Jersey Transit C3RS pilot project?
  2. Will relief crews working within the boundaries be covered by the pilot project?
  3. Are PRT members permanent?
  4. What close call events are accepted by C3RS?
  5. How do I report a close call?
  6. What happens after I call in my report?
  7. Are there conditions for receiving protection?
  1. What are the boundaries of the New Jersey Transit C3RS pilot project?
    All New Jersey Transit owned and/or operated territory, including the Southern Tier and Pascack Valley Line (excluding Conrail and Amtrak territories not covered by C3RS).
  2. Will relief crews working within the boundaries be covered by the pilot project?
    Yes.
  3. Are PRT members permanent?
    The union members are appointed by their respective General Chairmen. There is no requirement for periodic replacement but members have been replaced.
  4. What close call events are accepted by C3RS?
Event Category Example
Event occurs frequently with low consequences A run through yard switch, other than main track switch, that does not result in a train accident, improper blocking, or missed repeat of NORAC Rule 241
Event with potential for high consequences Train proceeding beyond its authority in non-signal territory
  1. How do I report a close call?
    • Call in your report to BTS using the secure toll-free telephone number (866) 683-9265 or (888) LOV-C3RS. Leave your information on the secure answering machine; you will receive a callback to confirm receipt of your message.
    • Call in the report to BTS within 48 hours after the event occurs to receive protection from discipline.
    • Mail the completed from to BTS at the address listed on the report within three calendar days of the event.
  1. What happens after I call in my report?
    • BTS team member who takes your call passes on your report for further analysis to long-time railroaders with special training.
    • BTS conducts a telephone interview with you to learn about the event.
    • BTS determines if the event qualifies as a close call.
    • BTS mails you a receipt with a C3RS event confirmation number to confirm that the report was received, that the event qualifies as a close call, and that you are eligible for protection.
    • BTS de-identifies the report.
    • BTS enters event information into a database, summarizes it, and prepares a report.
    • BTS sends the summary report to the carrier's peer review team PRT.
    • PRT identifies factors contributing to the accident and recommends corrective action to the carrier.
    • Carrier reviews recommendations and implements corrective action.
    • PRT evaluates the effectiveness of the corrective action and reviews it with BTS.
    • BTS shares information to close call reporting employee at employee's request.
  1. Are there conditions for receiving protection?
    Yes. For an employee to receive protection, the following conditions must be met:
    • The employee's action or lack of action was not intended to damage carrier operations, equipment, and/or personnel.
    • The employee reports the unsafe condition to BTS within 48 hours of noting it, and BTS accepts the report.
    • The employee mails a formal, written close call report to BTS within three calendar days after the phone call.
    • The employee's carrier has an active IMOU with FRA.
    • The employee violates a law, regulation, or operating rule under a direct order from a supervisor.

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