A new federal rule finalized by the Transportation Department's Federal Railroad Administration mandates that major freight railroads must maintain two-person crews on most routes. This rule comes after two years of development and aims to enhance railroad safety following the fiery February 2023 derailment in eastern Ohio.
Rail unions have long advocated for two-person crews, citing safety and job concerns. They argue that conductors play a vital role in operating trains, keeping engineers alert, and serving as first responders in case of emergencies. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union president emphasized the importance of having two crew members on board, especially with the increasing length of trains.
While major railroads have historically operated with two-person crews, some short-line railroads have been using one-person crews without issues. The railroads have pushed for flexibility to operate with one person and shift conductors to ground-based roles in areas with automatic braking systems. However, the new federal rule now mandates two-person crews on most routes.
The railroads argue that crew size should be determined through contract negotiations rather than regulatory mandates, as they believe there isn't enough data to prove that two-person crews are safer. The industry has raised concerns about the impact of this rule on collective bargaining processes and safety statistics.
Despite industry opposition, the rule has received support from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who highlighted the importance of ensuring trains are safely staffed, especially with the transportation of hazardous materials. The rule aims to prevent future disasters and improve response capabilities in case of emergencies.
While some states have already implemented rules requiring two-person crews, the federal rule now sets a uniform standard across major freight railroads. The industry's response to this rule remains uncertain, as they have previously challenged state regulations in court.
In conclusion, the new federal rule on two-person crews marks a significant milestone in railroad safety regulations, aiming to enhance safety measures and response capabilities in the event of rail disasters.
