Transportation News

Visit the digital archive of the SMART-TD News (PDFs)

FRA proposes permanent cell-phone ban

The Federal Railroad Administration is moving to make permanent an October 2008 emergency order restricting the use by on-duty train crews of cell phones and other electronic devices. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published Tuesday, May 18, in the Federal Register, indi [...]

Controversy over PTC business benefits

Railroads are campaigning hard to get federal funding for all or part of the cost of developing and deploying a positive train control (PTC) system, writes Larry Kaufman in Rail Business newsletter. There are two elements to the PTC issue. Most aggravating, the railroads are [...]

Medco update for Nashville residents

Living in the Nashville area, affected by the floods, and in need of your prescription drugs from Medco? Medco advises that the U.S. Post Office has established temporary mail facilities at two locations in the City of Nashville: The Melrose Station, located at 798 Berry Road [...]

UHC offers help for Tenn. flood victims

UnitedHealth Group and its family of companies, including UnitedHealthcare, Ovations, AmeriChoice, OptumHealth and Prescription Solutions, are assisting thos affected by the flooding in parts of Tennessee. This includes relief to health plan customers who may need to refill p [...]

Reminder: COBRA subsidy extended

As reported in mid-April, the eligibility period for the COBRA subsidy was extended by Congress through May 31. COBRA is a federal program that permits those who lose their jobs and employer-provided health care to retain their health care through out-of-pocket payments equiv [...]

RRB explains disability application process

Railroad workers should be aware that in addition to retirement annuities based on age and service, the Railroad Retirement Act also provides disability annuities for workers who become totally or occupationally disabled. Medicare coverage before age 65 is also available for [...]

Bus operators too often face assaults

By Calvin StudivantAlternate Vice President, Bus Department There is no question that more must be done to protect bus operators. When operating a motor coach — whether carrying students, commuters, tourists or the handicapped – whenever we open the door, we are e [...]

I am optimistic for 2010

By Rich Deiser Vice President, Bus Department During my six months as Bus Department vice president, I have done my absolute best to meet many of you, and I look forward to getting to know more of you in 2010. I still have a lot to learn and look to you for guidance. Hopefull [...]

Retiring soon? Don’t be a fraud victim

 By UTU GS&T Kim Thompson A recent article on the UTU Web site, headlined “Ponzi Scheme Targets Retired L.A. Bus Drivers,” reminded me of the pitfalls that our members can face in having a secure retirement. It seems you can’t watch the evening news, open a ne [...]

Want more info on health care bill?

The Department of Labor has a Web page that provides substantial information on the new health care law, formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. To access that page, click here.