04-13-2024, 08:09 PM
Over the last 10 years- really the last 20- rail equipment inspection and maintenance regulations have been gutted. Warren Buffet et al have too much ownership of our elected officials. Hours between inspections have quadrupled, train lengths have more than doubled, maintenance budgets have been reduced. Since the 1990s, crew size has been allowed to be decreased from 4 to 3 to currently 2. A huge push was on to reduce it to 1 and on some routes, none. Recent rule changes by the FRA have temporarily put a halt to this effort, but since the changes are regulatory and not legislative they can be done away with at any time.
Throughout all this, the rate of train accidents has declined over the past few decades. This is due to improved equipment, technology, and a dedicated, experienced work force. That work force is aging rapidly unfortunately. And since the railroads are cutting wages, reducing benefits and eliminating time off between trips they are unable to recruit new employees.
Expect the crew size issue to reappear with the next administration. The reasoning that will be used is a lack of qualified employees. Equipment inspections will continue to be reduced, and train lengths increased. Welcome to Corporate America.
Throughout all this, the rate of train accidents has declined over the past few decades. This is due to improved equipment, technology, and a dedicated, experienced work force. That work force is aging rapidly unfortunately. And since the railroads are cutting wages, reducing benefits and eliminating time off between trips they are unable to recruit new employees.
Expect the crew size issue to reappear with the next administration. The reasoning that will be used is a lack of qualified employees. Equipment inspections will continue to be reduced, and train lengths increased. Welcome to Corporate America.
