News Archive
Momentum building in support of two-person crews
Support among railroaders, unions, states and others has come in the wake of last week’s Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) proposed two-person crew rule. The proposed rule comes after a completed study by the FRA comparing two accidents: the Lac-Megantic, Qu [...]
FRA’s proposed rule requiring two-person crews irks rail industry, draws praise from safety advocates
The Federal Railroad Administration rolled out a long-awaited proposed rule this week requiring two-person crews on most trains. The rule comes three years after 47 people were killed in the Lac-Megantic, Quebec, train crash (which had a one-person crew) and almost a year aft [...]
Online ITI Courses Make Learning Easier
Not long ago, the idea of online learning for sheet metal workers seemed unworkable. With hands-on skill at the heart of the trade, how could apprentices and journeymen learn without materials and an instructor in a live environment? Yet the International Training Institute ( [...]
FTA announces final rule strengthening state safety oversight of rail transit systems
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced a final rule that significantly strengthens state safety oversight and enforcement authority to prevent and mitigate accidents and incidents on rail transit systems. “Wit [...]SMART TD Press Release: FRA issues notice of proposed rulemaking requiring two-person crews
WASHINGTON –Today the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a proposed rule that sets forth the requirements and exceptions for a minimum crew of at least two people on America’s trains. The proposed rule is a major step forward in SMART Transportation Division’s ca [...]Md. Senate OKs bill for two-person crews
The Press of Atlantic City reported that the Maryland Senate voted 32-14 for a measure requiring a crew of at least two people on freight trains in Md. Read the entire story here.
32 injured in Kansas Amtrak derailment
ABC News reports that 32 people were taken to the hospital with injuries after an Amtrak train derailed near Cimarron, Kan., around Midnight, March 14. The injuries suffered by passengers were not life threatening. Amtrak Southwest Chief Train 4 was en route to Chicago from L [...]NJ Transit strike averted, tentative agreement reached
ABC News reports that a potential strike or lockout on New Jersey Transit (NJT) has been averted. A tentative agreement has been reached between the carrier and the Rail Labor Coalition which represents 4,000 union members employed by NJT. Union members now will have a chance [...]