Safety
SOFA report for November 2020: Three switching fatalities in 90 days
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, December 8 — The Switching Operations Fatality Analysis (SOFA) Working Group has published its most recent Safety Alert, reminding workers to remain vigilant in light of three switching fatalities in the 90 day period from August to November. As a cross-industry collaboration for over 20 years, the SOFA Working Group has identified the…
Read MoreTwo women charged with train terror attack in Washington
(Source: Progressive Railroading 12/03/2020) Two Washington state women have been charged with a terror attack and violence against BNSF Railway Co. after they allegedly placed a “shunt” on the railroad’s tracks near Bellingham, Washington, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced this week. Samantha Frances Brooks and Ellen Brennan Reiche, both of Bellingham, Washington, were arrested Nov. 28 in…
Read MoreFRA: PTC operating on over 99 percent of required route miles
(Source: Progressive Railroading 11/18/2020) All railroads subject to the federal positive train control (PTC) mandate are currently operating PTC systems in revenue service or in advanced field testing, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced today. As of Sept. 30, PTC technology remains yet to be activated on about 223 required route miles, based on railroads’ third-quarter 2020 PTC progress…
Read MorePresident Pierce urges aid for Amtrak/commuters, condemns PSR at Senate hearing
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, October 21 — BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce testified today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation at a hearing titled, “Passenger and Freight Rail: The Current Status of the Rail Network and the Track Ahead.” The hearing examined the current state of America’s passenger and freight rail network,…
Read MoreCDC recommends riders, operators wear masks on trains
(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/20/20) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday issued an interim guidance strongly recommending passenger train and subway riders, operators and other crew members wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The guidance recommends people wear masks while waiting for trains or working at stations, and while traveling on trains. The guidance also…
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