New rule requires 2-person train crews
The White House is announcing a new federal rule aimed at making trains safer but there’s opposition from the train industry.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - The White House is announcing a new federal rule aimed at making trains safer but there’s opposition from the train industry.
There’s no requirement for a train to have more than one crew member and the administration says this will change that.
Right now, trains hauling passengers or commercial materials, sometimes hazardous, only have to have a single crew member.
Safety officials from the Department of Transportation say that can pose a safety risk.
The new regulation unveiled Tuesday requires a minimum of two operators.
Officials say a second crew member increases safety by catching problems a single operator might miss.
The administration has dealt with several major rail disasters, including a massive derailment in East Palestine, Ohio last year.
After that, administration officials vowed an increased push for greater train safety but the railroad industry is pushing back.
The Association of American Railroads says there’s no connection between crew size and train safety.
The organization says crew safety levels are based on data and collective bargaining agreements which would be upended by this new regulation.
Administration officials say the regulation will lead to greater safety.
“This is a good day for the safety of rail workers, rail passengers and every American who lives near a rail line all across this country because America's rails are safer today than they were yesterday,” said Transportation Secretary Pet Buttigieg.
The Transportation Department says there will be exemptions to this rule for smaller train lines.