CSX has announced the dismantling of Operation RedBlock, a 41-year-old union-led program that significantly contributed to rail safety by preventing substance abuse and promoting trust among workers. The program's removal raises concerns about safety and industry commitment, echoing past industry shifts that led to diminished safety programs. SMART-TD and rail labor leaders vow to continue advocating for worker safety and support despite the loss of this historic program.
A freight train collided with a double-decker bus near Mexico City, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 40, in an accident attributed to the lack of crossing gates and increasing grade-level crossing incidents in Mexico.
A deadly funicular crash in Lisbon that killed 16 people is suspected to have been caused by a cable failure, with images showing a shredded cable connecting the cars, prompting an investigation into the accident's cause.
A 24-year-old Algerian man in Austria jumped onto a moving high-speed train after being left behind at a station, causing an emergency stop and delaying the service. He was arrested, and the incident highlights safety concerns with such reckless behavior.
A head-on collision between a freight train and a test train near Santiago, Chile, killed two rail workers and injured nine others. Authorities have detained the test train driver and a railway operator on charges of reckless manslaughter as they investigate the cause of the crash. The collision, which involved a freight train carrying copper and a test train with 10 workers, has led to the suspension of train services in Santiago.
Norfolk Southern will pay a $15 million fine and over $500 million for safety improvements and community health concerns as part of a federal settlement over last year's derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Residents feel the settlement is insufficient, given the company's profits and the CEO's compensation. The agreement includes funds for cleanup, health exams, and water monitoring, but does not address potential long-term health issues. The settlement precedes the National Transportation Safety Board's report on the derailment's cause, expected in June.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a new rule requiring two-person crews on all railroads to bolster safety, following the East Palestine train derailment last year. The rule, issued by the Federal Railroad Administration, aims to address the patchwork of crew size requirements across states and is seen as vital for train safety operations. Buttigieg emphasized the bipartisan importance of rail safety and urged Congress to pass the Railway Safety Act, as there have been over 1,500 derailments in the U.S. since the East Palestine incident.
The Biden administration has mandated that the largest freight railroads operate their trains with at least two people on board in an effort to improve rail safety, following a derailment incident in Ohio. The rule, which was immediately opposed by the industry, aims to ensure safe staffing levels and prevent cost-cutting measures that could compromise safety. Despite industry opposition, the administration believes that the new regulation will make workers, passengers, and communities safer, while industry representatives argue that there is no proven connection between extra staffing and rail safety.
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule requiring a second crewmember on Class I freight and passenger trains to enhance rail safety, addressing concerns about single-crew operations. The rule establishes minimum safety requirements and federal oversight, allowing for public input during decision-making processes. It aims to ensure consistent safety rules for freight and passenger rail operations nationwide, with limited exceptions for smaller railroads. This move aligns with the administration's efforts to improve railway safety and hold railroads accountable.
A Norfolk Southern train derailed in eastern Pennsylvania, spilling diesel fuel and plastic pellets into the Lehigh River. No injuries or hazardous material threat were reported, and containment booms were deployed to control the oil spill. Norfolk Southern stated it would investigate the accident and clean up the site, while Ancora Holdings called for the CEO's termination. This incident follows a previous derailment in Ohio, prompting President Biden to advocate for tougher rail safety laws.
One year after the East Palestine rail disaster, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes the need for stronger rail safety measures and criticizes Congress for stalling the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act. He highlights the limitations of current regulations and urges Congress to take action, citing the influence of the powerful railroad industry. Buttigieg stresses the importance of preventing future disasters and calls for support in advancing safety standards and regulations for the railway industry.
A year after a toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, residents continue to struggle with uncertainty and health concerns. Despite assurances from officials and the train company, many locals remain unconvinced that their homes are free of pollutants and are still grappling with inconsistent communication and access to aid. Advocates are pushing for stricter regulations on railways and fighting to get hazardous compounds off trains to prevent similar disasters in the future, while also demanding more resources and clarity from federal agencies.
One year after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a bipartisan Railway Safety Act led by Ohio Sens. J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown aims to enact stronger safety standards for trains carrying hazardous materials. While the bill has garnered support from some Senate Republicans, it appears to be short of the 60 votes needed to bypass a filibuster. Industry-friendly representatives and large railroads have lobbied against the bill, while on the House side, the accompanying bill seems poised for success. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's reluctance to put the bill to the floor has been criticized, with some Republicans accused of stalling the process to let it die quietly.
The Biden-Harris Administration has allocated over $1.4 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund 70 rail improvement projects across 35 states and Washington, D.C. These projects, selected through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, aim to enhance rail safety, strengthen supply chains, and expand passenger rail service. The investments will support track improvements, bridge rehabilitations, upgrades on routes carrying hazardous materials, and other infrastructure enhancements. The projects will benefit rural communities and address long-standing rail needs, contributing to safer and more efficient rail operations across the country.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a safety advisory recommending the use of Wheel Impact Load Detectors (WILD) to identify and replace high-impact railcar wheels that can cause significant damage to rails and track structures. The advisory comes after an investigation into a Union Pacific coal train derailment in Nebraska, which revealed that high-impact wheels damaged the rail and caused the incident. The FRA recommends that railroads and contractors continue using WILDs to identify and replace high-impact wheels, with specific guidelines for replacement based on WILD measurements. The agency also suggests reviewing procedures for identifying dynamic ratios to predict high-impact wheels when cars are loaded.
