New Jersey Train Length, Crew Size Law Awaits Governor’s Signature

A first-of-its-kind rail safety law has officially passed both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature and is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature.

A-4460, also known as S3389 in the Senate, establishes firm maximum train length limits, addressing the growing dangers posed by excessively long trains. It also enacts strict two-person crew requirements for freight trains, ensuring that critical safety functions are not placed on the shoulders of a single worker. Together, these provisions reflect real-world operating conditions and directly address risks that rail workers have warned about for years.

The bill also strengthens oversight of railroad infrastructure, requires enhanced safety reporting, mandates the use of modern detection technologies, and expands/solidifies the role of labor organizations in investigations of derailments and other accidents. The bill is one of the most comprehensive and practical rail safety packages passed in the modern era.

Protecting rail workers and communities is not a partisan issue, but a shared responsibility. A-4460 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

This landmark legislation represents the culmination of years of dedicated advocacy by the SMART-TD New Jersey State Safety and Legislative Board, led by Director Ron Sabol. Together they carried our lived experiences from yards, terminals, and crew rooms across the state directly to the halls of the State House in Trenton. Their message was simple and consistent: rail safety saves lives, and it must be treated as a top priority.

The worker-driven effort behind this legislation was formally recognized when Sabol was given the honor of casting a vote for the bill. This honor was extended by Senator Patrick Diegnan, who represents New Jersey’s 18th Legislative District. This acknowledgement recognizes SMART-TD and Sabol’s leadership and tireless advocacy in helping move this legislation across the finish line.

Our rail safety package now awaits final approval in the form of Governor Phil Murphy’s signature. This worker-led victory proves that when rail workers bring their experiences directly to lawmakers, meaningful change follows!