Risk Analysis (of Washington DC Subway system)

Washington DC Subway System
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Introduction
Risk analysis entails the process of making assessment and definition of the dangers likely to occur to humans, businesses as well as government agencies following the events, which could be natural or human-made. By a process, there is the implication that the analysis is not a one step affair; rather, there are various stages which come and must be in the right alignment so as to have the correct assessment. In this paper, there is a discussion of the risk analysis for the Washington DC subway system. In the debate, there is consideration of the various entities likely to get the effects of the subway system. The conceptual/theoretical analysis goes deep to unearth the various risks as well as hinting into the possible mitigation measure.
The Washington DC subway system
The Washington DC subway system happens to be one of the fastest modes of transport, in the United States and around the world. In coming up with a carriage system, there is usually consideration of models that are likely to increase the speed of movement. Such concerns emanate from the considerations that; there is always need to have a quick transport; otherwise, it would be futile to seek the transport in most of the incidences. The hailing of the subway may seem to be contrary to the focus of the risk analysis, but that is not true When undertaking a risk analysis, it is acceptable to have a regard to the active matters because; the idea is not to castigate an element and make it appear like it is useless.

The focal point is to pinpoint the risks; therefore, noting the positive aspects of the component of risk analysis is not stepping out of the issue.
To some extent, the Washington DC subway system can be said to be a great feature to behold. These views emanate from the multiple alignments of the scheme. The system consists of broad tunnels network. The tracks above the ground connect Washington DC four quadrants with Virginia and Maryland. There is much preference for the subway from both the locals as well as visitors. The locals find the system to be much convenient and cheap as well as being fast especially for the people attending work who would be late if they used the slow models. The visitors also find the subway affordable and convenient for the movement from one place to the other. Following the preference, the system is usually busy.
There is magnificence of the subway in the six coded colors. The colors are red, blue, yellow, green, silver and orange. There is a connection of the lines to the transfer stations. The metro stops give service to passengers from different lines as per the alignment of the channels. Such a feature makes the subway much reliable as there is interconnection from one line to another. The train cars usually have an external electronic device which senses the color for the direction of the train. Much of the convenience of the subway comes from the well-organized schedules of the train. During the peak hours, there is usually a train for every five to six minutes. Such times include the reporting and departure times from work and school. During the off peak, the train is usually for every 12 minutes. At night, the interval is 15-20 minutes. Such intervals are highly convenient.
Etiquette
Before engagement into the risks that could be in realization through a deep analysis, it is essential that there is understanding of the superficial dangers that have an association with the train for the subway. Following the realization of the outward risks, there is a stipulation of some rules of etiquette, to which every passenger ought to adhere. If a person feels uncomfortable sticking to the set etiquette rules, they might consider using the train only during the off-peak times when there usually little commotion.
In riding the escalator, the rule is that one should stand on the right while walking should be on the left. Such a law may appear like it is simple, but with the commotion of the peak hours, it might be difficult to keep. There ought to be an allowance for those coming out to exit first before the attempts of getting inside the train car. This rule is essential as it minimizes the chances of wastage of time as riders block each other when some are going inside while others are exiting at the same time. On the same note, if there is overcrowding in the train and you are standing close to the door, step outside to allow riders to exit then get back.
There is the discouragement of persons standing in the doorway when the train is overcrowded, while there is still some space at the center. It is advisable that riders move to the heart of the metro so as to allow riders to get inside. There are allowances for one to get out when they reach their destination even if they are in the middle of the car and the train is crowded to the door. There is also discouragement of boarding a train which is much full, especially during the peak hours. During such hours, the train is most likely to be much full; however, the arrival of the next metro is usually fast hence, the logic for the waiting. The discouragement from boarding a train that is much full emanates from the considerations that; the sensitive doors may refuse to shut down when there is much overcrowding. The driver might, therefore, get an obligation to offload all the people from the train following the mishap.
There is a discouragement from sitting on the chairs meant for the handicap passengers by the other riders. These instructions follow the considerations that; such attempts may deny the distinct persons the opportunity to use the seats meant for them which would be very much unfair. In a bid to ensure saving of time, there is the encouragement of every person holding their card for swiping at hand while waiting for the train car. The same rule applies even when one is in the last persons among a large group of people waiting for the car. This move follows the realization that; there is a quick movement of the line hence; holding the card at hand would prevent delaying others, which is in great discouragement.
Despite the rules which might appear like much harsh for a new rider, the passengers are usually friendly and would point to the right direction for a person who happens to be new. There is also the presence of a station manager at each given station who offers guidance. A rider with questions about the navigation of the metro ought to give them to the plant manager for advice.
Analysis
In economics, risk analysis is an essential aspect of any given venture. The concerns over the study arise from the realizations that; without such endeavors, it becomes easy to plunge people or communities into many risks. However, when there is conduction of the analysis, it becomes possible to come up with models of ensuring mitigation of the risks. In the occasions where it might not be possible to get along with the mitigating effects, and when there are many great dangers, there are proposals for doing away with the venture. However, before arriving at such conclusions, there has to be a sincere regard for the economic and also social impact of the investment. There could also be proposals of the relocation of the undertaking if such moves prove to be much viable.
Risk analysis usually has a basis on two presumptions. One is the possibility of something going wrong, and the another one is the likely outcome when there happens to be an unfortunate twist. Risk analysis does not have a basis on the misconception that there can be total preparedness for a disaster. There is the understanding that it is not possible to adequately prepare for a catastrophe and manage it in a hundred percent perfect manner. However, there it is always advisable to make every effort to be in the right line in case of a disaster happening. This assumption forms the need for having risk analysis as the venture seeks to unearth the areas likely to pose dangers and come up with suggestions on what could be in place for mitigation.
It is essential that there is understanding of how risk analysis could be under efficient use in a bid to ensure success in the undertaking. When risk analysis is in a right manner, it becomes easy to manage the risks that could be in prediction. It is, therefore, essential that there is order in the risk analysis. On this note, the first step in risk analysis ought to be the identification of the possible threats in the element of analysis. The threats could be existing or the possible ones. There is no point in restricting the analysis to the current threats only because; logical analysis of the underlying circumstances could easily lead to the accurate predictions of the possible risks, hence embracing the models of preventing the occurrence of the dangers or enhancing the possible preparedness. Since 2014, there has been an increasing of fare up to between 28 and 40 %. These increments follow the right management which ought to mitigate risks, hence the need to keep to the spirit of risk mitigation by adhering to risk analysis.
Identifying the threats
In identifying the risks; it is essential that there is categorization so as to have an easy navigation over them. The first category in the Washington DC subway system is the human. This type of risk falls fully under the predictable threats. The aspects include illness an injury. There are likelihoods of people getting sick while inside the metros. More so, there are high possibilities of individuals contracting the communicable diseases especially when the train is highly overcrowded. This element presents a significant risk to the people especially the highly vulnerable such as children and the pregnant women. The danger of injury is also highly likely. There are possibilities of characters falling while getting inside the metro, inside or even while disembarking. The risk is most highly possible during the peak hours when the trains are mostly overcrowded. In a bid to avoid such risks, it is essential that there is the right coordination such that the driver moves the train after everyone is right inside.
People ought to avoid entering the metro when it is not standing still. There is also discouragement from entering the metro which is already very much full. Since there are close schedules of the arrival of the metro trains, it is essential that there is consideration of waiting for the next subway when the one that arrived is much full. Even if one might be late, the wait is much worth than getting injuries or having the doors failing to lock. It is also essential that; while inside the train, there is observation of the basic etiquette prescriptions such as standing n the right and walking on the left. Such moves ensure coordinated moves while inside the metro, hence, minimizing the chances of getting injuries. Avoidance of standing next to the door reduces the risk of injuries from falls when the door opens.
Another human risk that could be in connection with the Washington DC subway system is death. The demise could be a passenger or that of a worker such as the drivers or the station managers. The death of a passenger could subject the operation of the subway into probation of whether they had anything to do with it. On the other hand, the death of a worker would pose the problem of having no one to operate in their area at the moment. In the efforts of mitigating such risks, it is essential that there is a continuous reminder of the passengers concerning the etiquette rules to follow in using the metro services. Such moves would reduce the dangers to the passengers. For the workers, having substitute operators at every given time would go a long way in ensuring that there is no presentation of a distraction of schedules in the event of the occurrence of a risk.
Another risk touches on operational matters. This aspect entails the dangers of disruption to supplies as well as the operations of the metro. The supplies with the threat of disruption in the Washington DC subway system include the oil supplies as well as the spare parts. There are the predictable dangers of having these commodities in shortage. Such deficits would lead to the distraction of the operations. Disruptions in the maintenance of the subway could also pose the risk of disrupting the operations. In the efforts of avoiding such transactions distractions, it is essential that there is a prior arrangement of the models of accessing the supplies.
The management of the Metro ought to enter into signed agreements with reputable companies that will keep adequate stocks for the oil and spare parts supplies. On the same note, it is essential that there is the engagement of the precise mechanics that are always on standby to provide maintenance services to the metro whenever there is a need. Failure of supplying the services in the correct manner would amount to the risk of losing the riders as the customers. The risk gets mitigation through the keeping of the schedules of operation which consider the peak hours such that there is an increased frequency of the metros. Such higher rate ensures that there is a continued dependency on the system by the customers.
Natural risks
Another category of the risks is that touching on natural occurrence In any given commercial venture; there is the likelihood of an inherent risk occurring from happenings which are beyond the control of human beings. Although the occurrences are beyond the abilities of humans concerning their power, it is essential that management engages in mitigation measures which seek to prevent much damage if such natural calamities occur. Preparedness, out of the guidance of risk analysis ensures that there is a positive response in case of the unexpected natural disaster. The subway system in Washington DC is not an exception when it comes to the natural disasters. The natural occurrences which are likely to pose significant risks to the metro in the subway include weather. Storms and lightning are liable to make the path not to be well visible. Such circumstances render high risks of not maneuvering the system in the right way. The installation of lights in the subway is a great way of ensuring that there is visibility even when there is the inclement weather.
The assertions concerning the mitigations of the weather risks do not align to insinuations that there can be a complete prevention of the calamities that could arise from extremes of weather. There are acknowledgments that; there are always likelihoods of weather disasters such as excessive thunderstorms and even earthquakes If such occurrences come to happen, there is no guarantee of having a hundred percent preparedness. However, having an installation of first aid kits as well as having contacts with necessary services such as ambulances and nearby hospitals would go a long way in ensuring the safety of life. These sentiments emanate from the regard of the bottom line of risk analysis which focuses on the saving of life even as there is regard to the safety of property, but life comes first. On the realization of the risk of weather which could cause much damage to the riders if it were to happen, there is a suggestion of offering training to the drivers of the metro as well as the managers of stations. Such training would equip them with the knowledge what they would do in the occurrence of the extreme weather that could be a threat to life.
Structural and technical risks
The fundamental risks denote the dangers associated with the building of the container. There has to be every effort to ensure that the physical condition of the metro is in a way that does not allow danger to the users. There has to be trimming of edges inside the metro car such that no one gets any injury following negligence. On the part of the technical risk, the subway faces the danger of advancement in technology. An advance in technology is a positive aspect of economic life. However, there is the negative perspective to the element when there is a failure to keep the pace of the advances. If the subway were to lag behind concerning embracing technology, there would be overtaking by other systems which would render the system less useful than it is.
Conclusion
Risk analysis is essential economic venture as it gives the directions towards mitigations of dangers after pointing to them. The Washington DC subway system is great as it offers services to many people including the locals and visitors. Various risks pose a threat to the subway and therefore, it is essential that there is an embrace of mitigation measures to ensure safety.