FRA Crew Size Hearing

​Earlier today, I testified at a public FRA hearing in favor of a strong federal regulation mandating the use of two-person crews on all freight trains in the United States. I was joined by a wide array of safety advocates supporting two-person crews, including North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp, several Mayors from across the country, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO and one of our own members, Mike Rankin, who shared his story about how he and his engineer worked together to save the life of a teenager struck at a grade crossing.

By issuing the proposed rule, the FRA has acknowledged the critical safety importance of two-person crews, and it is my hope that in the coming months the agency will take our comments into consideration and issue the strongest possible final rule. 

My testimony is attached to this email and a full account of Mike's story can be found here.
 
In Solidarity,
John Risch
National Legislative Director
SMART Transportation Division