"New Federal Rule Mandates 2-Person Crews for Freight Railroads"

The Transportation Department’s Federal Railroad Administration has finalized a new rule requiring major freight railroads to maintain two-person crews on most routes, following intense focus on railroad safety after a fiery derailment in Ohio. Rail unions have long opposed one-person crews due to safety and job concerns, and the new rule marks a milestone in their fight to preserve two-person crews. While railroads argue that crew size should be determined by contract talks, the rule aims to ensure trains are safely staffed, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizing the importance of having at least two crew members on board for large freight trains.