Category: Operator safety

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New California Law Protects Transit Workers

A new SMART-TD sponsored bill was signed into law that gives transit employees and their unions the tools they need to defend workers, protect riders, and deter bad behavior before it escalates.  Read on to learn more about AB 394.

SMART-TD Intensifies the Push for Stronger Transit Safety Laws

In a recent SMART News clip, Brother Cole Czub (Local 898, Boston) explains why transit operator safety is top-of-mind in statehouses across the country, including in Massachusetts where an effort is underway to ensure that SMART-TD members are afforded the same protections as other public transit workers. Watch the full clip to learn more and see why our union will continue fighting until all states have similar laws on the books.

CSX Trainee Death Exposes Glaring Safety Gaps

The NTSB has highlighted dangerous gaps in the railroad’s approach to safety and training. The agency’s findings align closely with long-standing concerns raised by SMART-TD. Read on to see how our union is accelerating steps to take matters into our own hands.

Fewer Eyes Mean More Derailments

We're sounding the alarm before tragedy strikes: SMART-TD calls on the FRA to reject a waiver request to cut track inspections by 75% in favor of automated solutions, which miss many common hazards. Read on to learn about the railroad industry’s latest misguided attempt to replace experience with technology.

Fighting for Stronger Heat Protections for Rail Workers

As temperatures soar, railroaders are challenged to stay safe on the job. OSHA is considering a new rule intended to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses. SMART-TD presented the reality of what it means to walk a long train or idle for hours with a broken AC. Read on to hear what was said and where we go from here.

PHOTO GALLERY: SEPTA Drivers Provide Bulletproof Barrier Feedback

SEPTA bus drivers in Philadelphia provided real-world feedback on the bulletproof barriers that have been installed on eight of the fleet’s vehicles. Once adjustments are made, these barriers will be gradually installed on all SEPTA buses. Read on for details, including a photo gallery of today’s testing.

Snipers test bulletproof barriers for SEPTA: SMART-TD was there

A new type of glare-resistant, bulletproof barrier has been installed in eight SEPTA buses, and SMART-TD got a live, in-person look at the most recent round of testing. Read on to see the results and learn what this means for transit workers across the country.