Category: Amtrak/Commuter
SEPTA crash leaves train engineer seriously injured
According to 6abc.com, a SEPTA commuter train collision in Upper Darby, Penn. resulted in four injuries, including the train engineer, who was reported to be in critical condition. Names of the injured have not been released; NTSB investigators are on site. Read the complete [...]
Calls for 2-person crews in response to amphibious vehicle fatalities
The Portland Press Herald reported that as amphibious vehicles (duck boats), designed to traverse land and water, have increased in popularity over the years, so has the number of accidents and fatalities involving these complicated vehicles. Advocates for increased safety m [...]
New Hampshire next for right-to-work? State House says NO!
In a close vote, the New Hampshire State Senate voted 12-11 to pass right-to-work (for less) in January. The bill then went to the Republican-controlled House for a vote and was expected to pass. The bill surprisingly failed in the House 200-177, with 32 Republicans voting ag [...]
Retired Gen. Chairperson William “Butch” Young dies
SMART TD member and former railroad conductor, William “Butch” E. Young III died at the age of 74 on Feb. 15, 2017, in Chino, Calif. Family was his main priority, and Butch was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Carol; son Mike, daughter-in-l [...]
Ohio Republican brings Right To Work to House floor
Source: Cleveland.com, 2/13/17 COLUMBUS, Ohio – On February 13, 2017, Rep. John Becker (R) introduced H.B. 53, a Right-to-Work measure designed to weaken collective bargaining rights for public and private employees. H.B. 53 would allow public sector employees to opt ou [...]
Railroad worker awarded $7.5 million in toxin exposure case
According to the National Review. com, a jury in Madison county, Wisconsin ruled against Union Pacific Railroad by awarding $7.5 million in damages to a former railroad worker for contracting severe illnesses that were deemed directly linked to his longterm exposure to creoso [...]
Los Angeles: bus ridership down, commuter rail up
According to an article posted by LaTimes.com, despite taxpayer support and route expansion, bus ridership with Los Angeles County’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) has dropped considerably over the past several years. Conversely, commuter rail ridership has incr [...]