Tampa — Trolley Xing Deal

Rail Transit Online, December 2003

A controversy over how to protect a level crossing used by CSX freight trains and TECO Line trolleys may soon be resolved.  Since the streetcar line opened in October 2002, the crossing on 13th Street just south of Fifth Avenue has been protected by railroad-employed flagmen assigned in shifts.  However, the flagmen only ask whether the motorman sees the signal controlling the crossing, never leaving an air conditioned trailer parked adjacent to the tracks (see RTOL, Oct. 2003).  The city and CSX agreed upon the flagmen after the railroad demanded a $500-million insurance policy, which municipal officials said was unaffordable.  However, during the past year there have been some close calls between freights and trolleys, so a supervisor from the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, which operates the TECO Line, was placed at the intersection to make certain it was clear.  Because of the added expense, a new solution was sought.  In a deal approved by both sides, the flagmen would be replaced with video cameras and the city would only need a $100 million liability policy.  The cameras, which should be ready by mid-December, will be monitored in the trolley control center, and the $300,000 annual insurance premium will equal the cost of the flagmen.