Archive for October 3, 2017
STB to review rules on ex parte communication
(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/03/2017) The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has proposed to update its rules on ex parte communications in informal rulemaking proceedings, the agency announced last week. The board has proposed allowing such communications, subject to disclosure requirements, and clarifying when and how people may communicate with the board about other pending proceedings, according to an…
Read MorePortland port obtains federal grant to upgrade security
(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/23/2017) The Port of Portland will receive a $1.25 million federal grant to upgrade marine terminal security systems. The port will use the grant to rebuild key components of the security systems at terminals 4 and 6, port officials announced in a press release. Specifically, the port will renew antiquated closed circuit television cameras…
Read MoreRail industry slow on safety upgrade for fleets carrying oil and ethanol
(Source: De Smog Blog, October 1, 2017) NEW YORK — A new government report finds that only 9 percent of all the rail tank cars transporting flammable liquids last year met the stricter safety requirements of regulations set in 2015, which were meant to reduce oil train explosions and accidents. This confirms what DeSmog reported…
Read MoreRRB Q&A: Acting for impaired Railroad Retirement beneficiaries
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, October 2, 2017) CHICAGO — According to Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) policy, every annuitant has the right to manage his or her own benefits. However, when physical or mental impairments make a railroad retirement annuitant incapable of properly handling benefit payments, or where the RRB determines that the interests of…
Read MoreMan clings to side of 99 mph German train for 15 miles after accidentally leaving luggage inside
(Source: Independent, October 1, 2017) LONDON — A man survived clinging onto the side of a German high speed train for 15 miles, officials have said. The Romanian man, realizing he had left his luggage on the train in Bielefeld, north Germany, jumped onto a ledge on the side of the train, which travelled at…
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