FRA issued a proposed rule yesterday that would mandate a two-person train crew in most situations. The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association immediately issued a statement strongly criticized that decision.
Chuck Baker, President of ASLRRA, issued a statement that said, in part, “With no safety data to support its proposal, the FRA has proposed an ill-conceived, ill-timed, unnecessary crew size mandate that would hinder the efficient operations of some small business railroads, snarl the supply chain and stifle innovation well into the future. ASLRRA looks forward to formally responding to the proposal and outlining the many negative impacts it will impose on the short line freight industry. This proposed rulemaking comes at an inopportune time, with a supply chain stretched thin throughout the country and labor in limited supply. Short lines and our many partners in the freight industry are working around the clock to rebound from pandemic-induced economic disruption and global gridlock. Being forced by regulatory fiat to operate less efficiently in any circumstances than would otherwise be possible will only make existing problems worse.”
