News Archive
Tentative agreement reached by SMART TD with Amtrak
SMART Transportation Division General Chairpersons Dirk Sampson (GO 769), Robert Keeley (GO 342) and Fran Ariola (GO 663) announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement with Amtrak on behalf of their members employed by the passenger railroad. The chairpersons c [...]
Railroad Safety Subject of four NTSB Safety Recommendations
WASHINGTON (Jan. 11, 2018) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued four railroad related safety recommendations in concert with the agency’s publication of two railroad accident briefs Thursday, Jan. 11. The recommendations and briefs stem from the NTSB’s inv [...]
DOT’s new drug-testing protocols are in effect
In November, the federal Department of Transportation finalized a rule that added four semi-synthetic opioids – hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone and oxycodone – to its testing regimen, despite opposition from a number of unions. Brand names of some of those opioids inc [...]
Operation Lifesaver offers new educational materials for free rail safety presentations
WASHINGTON, DC, January 5, 2018 – Operation Lifesaver Inc., (OLI) the national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safety at railroad crossings and along railroad rights-of-way, has developed engaging new materials for its trained volunteer speakers to use in safety [...]
RRVW announces new leadership
PR Newswire reports that the Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW) has announced new executive leadership effective Jan. 1. RRVW has announced Victor “Vic” Meyers has taken over as president and Mark Wegner as chief executive officer. Meyers recently served as vice p [...]
Amtrak names Ken Hylander as chief safety officer
Amtrak has named Ken Hylander their new executive vice president and chief safety officer. Hylander previously served as chairman of the Flight Safety Foundation and as the chief safety officer at Delta Air Lines. Hylander’s first order of business will be to install a Safety [...]
Are You Registered to Vote?
As recently as last week, in Virginia, one vote determined the balance of power in that state’s legislature. Remember that when the time comes to vote, especially in this year’s important midterm elections. It’s never too early to update your voter registrat [...]NTSB publishes preliminary findings on Amtrak 501 Washington derailment
Below are the preliminary findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as published on their website. On December 18, 2017, at 7:33 a.m., Pacific standard time, southbound Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation) passenger train 501, consisting of a lea [...]